Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of Mongar, Bhutan, where the beautiful yet intense sun can pose significant health risks. A high UV Index indicates an increased potential for sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV levels. Mongar's climate, characterized as Cwa, boasts warm summers and intense sunshine, leading to peak UV exposure around noon when values soar to a staggering 15. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin and enjoy the stunning landscapes safely.
The UV Index reveals a striking pattern throughout the day, peaking dramatically at 12:00 PM with a high of 15, indicating an extreme level of ultraviolet exposure. As the sun rises, the UV Index climbs steadily from 2 at 7:00 AM to a formidable 11 by 10:00 AM. The intensity continues to escalate, reaching its zenith just after noon, before gradually descending in the afternoon. By 3:00 PM, it drops to 7, and a steady decline follows, winding down to 0 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun safety measures, particularly during the mid-day hours when UV exposure is at its most perilous.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
10:00 | 11 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variations that impact sun exposure and the risk of skin damage throughout the year. High-risk months include March through September, where the UV Index frequently reaches extreme levels of 12 to 15, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. Notably, July and August present the highest UV levels, making sun protection crucial. In contrast, the risk decreases in the winter months of January and December, where the UV Index drops to 6, allowing for longer exposure times of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to utilize sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing, especially during the high-risk months, to minimize the potential for skin damage.
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 |
Mongar | 6 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 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 |
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 |