Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan, where the unique Cwa climate can lead to varying levels of ultraviolet exposure throughout the day. As UV levels can soar to a peak of 13 around midday, awareness of these levels is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself, ensuring that your outdoor activities remain safe and enjoyable, especially during those high-risk hours when exposure to harmful rays is most pronounced. Stay informed and stay safe under the Bhutanese sun!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins with a moderate level of 4 at 7:00 AM, but it quickly escalates. By 8:00 AM, it jumps to 7, signaling caution for those heading outdoors. The peak intensity is reached at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM, where we see a significant 13 on the scale, indicating that protective measures are essential. As the afternoon progresses, the index declines, dropping to 10 by 1:00 PM and further decreasing to 6 by 2:00 PM. By the time the sun begins to set, the UV levels dwindle to 1 with a complete drop to 0 by 6:00 PM, offering a safe window for outdoor activities without sun protection. Remember, staying vigilant during peak hours is crucial for your skin health!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 09:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, significantly impacting exposure to harmful rays. High-risk months for UV exposure begin in February with an index of 7 and reach their peak from May to September, where the index consistently stays at a hazardous 12 to 13. Notably, March and April also present very high levels, with indices of 8 and 9, respectively. During these months, the recommended burn time drops to just 10 minutes under extreme conditions, emphasizing the need for protective measures. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly from May to September, to ensure safety against UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samdrup Jongkhar | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 |
| 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 |
| 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 |