Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Trongsa, Bhutan, is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation, which can lead to sunburn and long-term skin health issues. As one of the key indicators of sun exposure, the UV Index helps residents and visitors gauge when to take necessary precautions against the sun’s intensity. In this region, which features a temperate climate with high elevation, UV levels can peak unexpectedly, reaching an extreme 16 around midday. Being aware of these fluctuations empowers you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Trongsa while safeguarding your skin from the risks associated with high UV exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a modest 2 by 7:00 AM, perfect for enjoying the cool morning air. But things heat up quickly as the day progresses; by 9:00 AM, it skyrockets to 9, marking the beginning of peak sunlight intensity. Come 11:00 AM, the UV Index reaches its pinnacle at an impressive 15, hitting its maximum of 16 by 12:00 PM—a reminder to slather on that sunscreen! The intensity gradually lessens after that, dipping to 12 by 2:00 PM and falling to 8 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV exposure decreases dramatically; by 6:00 PM, the UV Index settles at 1, and by 7:00 PM, it's a safe 0. Embrace the midday sun wisely and enjoy the rest of your day!
| 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 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 16 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 exposure varies significantly, reaching its peak in the summer months. January and December have lower UV Index levels (7), categorized as high, with burn times of 25 minutes. However, from February to October, the UV Index escalates, hitting very high levels in February and November, and soaring to extreme categories from March to September. The highest UV Index is recorded in May, June, and July at 16, with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. March marks the start of these critical conditions with a UV Index of 12, and all months from April to September are considered high-risk. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during these high-risk months by using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| 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 |
| Trongsa | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 |