UV Index Safety Timer

Calculate safe time in the sun before burning, based on UV index and your skin type.

UV Index

Skin Type (Fitzpatrick)

SPF Sunscreen

Enter UV index and skin type to calculate safe sun exposure time

Monthly UV index for Indian cities

UV index varies significantly by location and season. India's tropical and subtropical climate means UV is high year-round, especially in the south.

City	Jan–Feb	Mar–Apr	May–Jun	Jul–Aug	Sep–Oct	Nov–Dec
Chennai	8–9	10–11	11–12	10–11	9–10	7–8
Mumbai	7–8	9–10	10–11	9–10	8–9	6–7
Delhi	5–6	8–9	10–11	9–10	7–8	4–5
Bangalore	9–10	11–12	11–12	10–11	9–10	8–9

How the calculation works

Base burn time by skin type

Type I: 10 min | Type II: 15 min

Type III: 20 min | Type IV: 30 min

Type V: 45 min | Type VI: 60 min

Adjusted time formula

Time = Base × SPF ÷ (UV ÷ 3)

UV 3 = baseline. SPF acts as a multiplier. Example: Type III (20 min), SPF 30, UV 9 → 20 × 30 ÷ (9÷3) = 200 minutes

Frequently asked questions

Do people with darker skin need sunscreen in India?

Yes. While darker skin types (V and VI) have more natural melanin protection and a higher burn threshold, they are not immune to UV damage. UV exposure causes skin cancer in all skin types, and melanoma in darker skin is often diagnosed later (on palms, soles) leading to worse outcomes. Sunscreen is recommended for all skin types when UV exceeds 3.

What SPF should I use in India?

Dermatologists recommend at least SPF 30 for daily use in India, and SPF 50 for outdoor activities, beach/pool days, and high-altitude travel. SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks about 97%. The difference is small but meaningful for prolonged exposure.

What does UV index 10 mean?

UV 10 is classified as "Very High" (scale: 1-2 Low, 3-5 Moderate, 6-7 High, 8-10 Very High, 11+ Extreme). At UV 10, unprotected fair skin can begin to burn in 10–15 minutes. This UV level is common in peninsular India year-round.

Does UV go through glass or clouds?

UVA (aging rays, 95% of UV reaching earth) passes through glass and cloud cover significantly. UVB (burning rays) is largely blocked by glass but not clouds — overcast days can still deliver 80% of peak UV. You can get sunburned on cloudy days in India, especially near reflective surfaces like water and sand.

Is morning or afternoon sun safer?

Morning sun (before 10 am) and late afternoon (after 4 pm) have lower UV intensity because the sun is at a lower angle and UV travels through more atmosphere. UV is typically highest between 11 am–2 pm. Scheduling outdoor activities before 10 am or after 4 pm significantly reduces UV exposure.