Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, where the tropical climate can lead to significant sun exposure. With UV levels reaching a peak of 13 during midday, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. By keeping track of the UV Index, you can protect yourself from harmful rays while enjoying the beautiful outdoor environment this vibrant city has to offer. Remember, even on overcast days, UV radiation can pose risks, so staying informed is key to ensuring your well-being!
The UV Index throughout the day presents an intriguing pattern, peaking sharply between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM with a maximum value of 13. Early risers enjoy a gentle start, with levels only reaching 1 at 07:00 and gradually climbing to 5 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity rises dramatically, hitting 8 by 10:00 and soaring to its zenith with 11 by 11:00. The afternoon maintains this intensity, mirroring the earlier peak at 12:00 and 1:00 before beginning a steady decline. By 3:00 PM, it drops to 7, and as evening approaches, the readings taper off to 1 and eventually to 0 after 7:00 PM. This data serves as a reminder to protect yourself during those peak hours when UV exposure is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently high, reflecting an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes across all months. February and March see peak UV levels at 15 and 16, respectively, indicating they are among the highest risk months for sunburn and UV-related skin damage. Even during the cooler months, such as November and December, the UV Index stays relatively elevated at 13 and 12. Therefore, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take protective measures year-round, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize direct sun exposure, especially during midday hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tutong UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Bandar Seri Begawan | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Kapok UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Seria UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Kuala Belait UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |