Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Trashigang, Bhutan, where the Cwb climate brings diverse weather patterns and varying levels of sun exposure throughout the year. Awareness of UV levels plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and overall skin health, especially as the index peaks at 14 during midday hours, indicating extreme conditions that can lead to severe skin damage. With typical exposure risks climbing sharply from morning to afternoon, staying informed about the UV Index will not only help you enjoy the beautiful landscapes safely but also protect your skin in this stunning region.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent from a moderate 2 at 07:00, climbing steadily through the morning. By 08:00, it reaches a 5, indicating a higher risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The index peaks dramatically at 11:00 and 12:00, hitting a high of 14, urging everyone to seek shade and wear protective gear. As the afternoon unfolds, the numbers start to dip, waning to 10 at 14:00, before gradually falling to 4 by 16:00. The evening brings relief with the index sinking to a 2 at 17:00, then further retreating to 1 at 18:00, and finally tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This hourly UV Index pattern highlights the importance of sun safety during the peak hours of the day.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index values demonstrate significant seasonal variation, with the highest risk months occurring from April to October. During this period, UV Index levels reach extreme heights, peaking at 15 in July. Residents and visitors must be particularly cautious as burn times decrease, with only 10 minutes of sun exposure recommended during these months to avoid skin damage. February and November are also notable, classified as very high, with burn times of 15 minutes. In contrast, January and December present lower risk levels, with high UV Index ratings of 6 and longer burn times of 25 minutes. Regardless of the time of year, it's essential for everyone to protect their skin by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak UV hours.
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 |
| Trashigang | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 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 |