Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Lhuentse, Bhutan is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburns. With a Cwb climate characterized by cool summers and mild winters, the region experiences varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking at a significant 15 around noon. This highlights the importance of being conscious of UV exposure and taking protective measures, especially during the hours when the UV Index soars, reaching 12-14 between 10 AM and 1 PM. Being informed about UV levels can help residents and visitors enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the risks of skin damage.
The UV Index (UVI) during the day showcases a dramatic rise and fall in intensity. Starting at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM, it quickly climbs to a peak of 15 by 12:00 PM, indicating the most potent sun exposure. The hours around 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM see the UVI soar, reaching an impressive 14 and then slightly dropping to 13 by 1:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, it begins to taper off: down to 10 by 2:00 PM, and further to 6 by 3:00 PM. By the evening, the index reduces to 1 at 5:00 PM, suggesting a gentle return to safety as twilight approaches, before falling to 0 at 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours, especially from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
10:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with high-risk months typically falling between February and October. The peak UV Index occurs in July, reaching 16, categorized as extreme, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Other months like March, April, May, June, August, and September also display extreme levels (ranging from 12 to 15) and require vigilant sun protection. November and December pose lower risk with very high (9) and high (6) indices, respectively, allowing for longer exposure times. Visitors and residents should equip themselves with sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours to prevent skin damage, particularly during the critical summer months.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Phuntsholing UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
Pemagatshel UVI | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 |
Tsirang UVI | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 |
Lhuentse | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 6 |
Punakha UVI | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 6 |
Thimphu UVI | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 |