Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Karachi, Pakistan, where intense sunlight can pose significant risks to skin health. As this bustling city basks under a BWh climate, with peak UV levels reaching as high as 10 during the midday hours, awareness of UV exposure is essential for sunburn prevention and long-term wellness. From the early morning to late afternoon, the UV Index fluctuates, making it important to understand when you're most vulnerable. By staying informed about these levels, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and enjoy the sun safely.
The UV Index throughout the day showcased a dynamic shift, peaking remarkably at 10 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, indicating an intense level of sun exposure. Starting the day gently, with a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, the UV levels gradually rose, creeping toward 9 by 11:00 AM, before hitting a sky-high 10 at midday. This high UV reading persisted for an hour, encouraging sun safety measures such as seeking shade or applying sunscreen. As the afternoon wore on, the index dipped to 7 at 3:00 PM, eventually declining through the evening, settling back down to 1 by 7:00 PM. Overall, it's a vivid reminder of how the sun's intensity can vary dramatically, urging outdoor enthusiasts to stay vigilant during peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the summer months. High-risk months include March through August, with April and July/August marked as particularly critical, ranging from UV Index 10 to 12 and categorized as extreme exposure, necessitating careful precautions. In these months, the recommended burn time decreases to 10 minutes, highlighting the urgency for protective measures. Visitors and residents are advised to take proper precautions, such as applying sunscreen with high SPF, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. As the year transitions to fall and winter, the UV levels drop, but vigilance is still important, especially in February and early March, when UV levels remain notably high.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rawalpindi UVI | 4 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Lahore UVI | 4 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| Faisalabad UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Multan UVI | 4 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Karachi | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 6 |