Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Karachi, Pakistan, is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health in a city with a BWh climate known for its intense sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching a dangerous 11 around noon, awareness of the UV Index helps residents and visitors alike take necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. In Karachi, where the sun shines brightly and consistently, monitoring UV levels is essential to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing health risks associated with excessive sun exposure. Keep your skin healthy and enjoy Karachi's vibrant atmosphere by staying informed about UV levels throughout the day.
From 07:00 to 08:00, the UV Index starts low at 1, perfect for a leisurely morning. As the sun climbs higher, it ramps up sharply, peaking at 11 between 12:00 and 13:00. This intense midday exposure signals a crucial time for sun protection. The afternoon sees the UV Index gradually tapering off, dropping to 9 by 14:00 and further declining to 4 by 16:00. As evening approaches, the UV levels return to a safe range, resting at 1 by 18:00 and lingering there until 19:00. Stay vigilant during the peak hours; your skin will thank you!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |