What Is the UV Index in India Right Now - By City and Month?
Based on two years of hourly UV index data (2023–2025), India's peak UV index occurs between 11:00 and 13:00 daily, reaching Extreme levels (UV 8 - 11+) across most major cities for at least seven months of the year. Bangalore records the highest peak UV index nationally at 11.3, followed by Ahmedabad at 10.6 and Goa at 10.0
What the UV Index Actually Means
• 0–2: Low (No protection needed, unless outside for extended periods, or near reflective surfaces such as snow or water))
• 3–5: Moderate (Sunscreen, protective clothing, hat, sunglasses)
• 6–7: High (Sunscreen, protective clothing, hat, sunglasses, seek shade)
• 8–10: Very High (Sunscreen, protective clothing, hat, sunglasses, seek shade)
• 11+: Extreme (Avoid going outdoors)
Summary by city
Summary by months
How the data was analysed:
a) we took daily and hourly data from 2023 to 2025 for each city (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune)
b) computed average of the UV index of every hour of every day for each month of the years
c) to come at the city UV index we then took the maximum UV index from the 12 months. We took the maximum value over average to be extra cautious and not dilute the value too much
d) India UV index is derived as the maximum UV index from all the 11 cities at every hour
What the data tells you:
Hot is not equal to high UV index and cold is not equal to low UV index. Most of India sits in High to Extreme for the majority of the year - unlike a lot of western countries where this is may be seasonal pattern. Even at its lowest point - December - India's peak UV index averages 4.9, still classified as Moderate to High. From February through October, every single month averages Extreme-range UV (7+) at peak hours.
What Time of Day Is UV Index Highest in India?
Across all 11 cities studied, UV index consistently peaks between 11:00 and 13:00, regardless of season or region. By 09:00, UV index has already crossed into the High range (5+) nationally, and it does not drop back below Moderate until after 16:00. The data tells us that we should be protected from 08:00 to 16:00pm every day, throughout the year.
Does Winter Reduce UV Exposure in India?
For the norther part yes, but for the rest of India - not significantly. Even in January, India's peak UV index averages 5.3 - within the High range. Unlike temperate countries where winter UV drops to near-zero, India's lower latitude keeps UV index elevated nearly year-round
FAQ
What is the highest UV index recorded in an Indian city?
Bangalore recorded the highest peak UV index among major Indian cities at 11.3, classified as Extreme.
What time should you avoid sun exposure in India?
Based on hourly data, UV index peaks between 11:00 and 13:00 across all Indian cities - this is the highest-risk window for unprotected sun exposure.
Is UV index high in India even in winter?
Yes. India's national peak UV index does not drop below 4.9 even in December, remaining in the Moderate-to-High range year-round.
Which Indian city has the lowest UV index?
Among cities studied, Kolkata recorded the lowest peak UV index at 7.8 - still classified as High.
Note: Data based on hourly UV index measurements across 11 Indian cities, 2023 - 2025, sourced from NASA POWER (Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources), compiled and analysed by 42foundry, June 2026.
Want to check the average UV index for your city specifically? Email us at richeka@42foundry.in and we will send the data over.
