Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from potential harm caused by the sun's rays. Understanding UV levels not only aids in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. Given Cox's Bazar's tropical climate, where exposure to high UV levels is common—peaking at 12 between noon and 1 PM—it's essential for both locals and visitors to stay informed and take proactive measures to safeguard against the risks posed by excessive sun exposure.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins at a gentle 2 by 07:00, but as the sun rises higher, the intensity quickly escalates. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 7, signaling outdoor enthusiasts to apply sunscreen. The peak comes at 11:00 and 12:00, where the index peaks at a striking 12, indicating very high levels of UV radiation. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually decreases, dipping to 8 by 14:00 and further dropping to 5 by 15:00. In the late afternoon and evening, the UV Index retreats to 3 by 16:00, finally settling at 1 by 17:00 and fading to 0 after 19:00. This daily cycle highlights the importance of sun safety during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, there is a noticeable increase in UV levels, with February reaching a UV Index of 9 (very high) and a burn time of just 15 minutes. The risk intensifies from March through October, where the UV Index consistently remains in the extreme category (11-13), with a dangerously low burn time of 10 minutes during the peak months. July, August, and September see the highest UV ratings at 13, emphasizing the need for heightened caution. In contrast, November and December see a decline back to high levels, with UV indices of 8 and 7, respectively. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly from March to October, where exposure can lead to severe sunburn in mere minutes. Stay informed and prioritize sun safety during these high-risk months!
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rajshahi UVI | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Dhaka UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 6 |
| Comilla UVI | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Khulna UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 |
| Chattogram UVI | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 |
| Cox's Bazar | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 7 |