Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Svay Chek, Cambodia, where the sun shines brightly throughout the year, especially in its Aw climate zone. Monitoring UV levels not only empowers you to protect your skin from harmful rays but also helps prevent painful sunburn and long-term skin health issues. At peak hours, particularly between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can reach a staggering 14, indicating extreme exposure risks. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely while exploring this vibrant region.
Starting the day at a mild UV Index of 1 at 7:00 AM, the sun gradually climbs its way to peak intensity. By 10:00 AM, the index hits a striking 10, climbing to its maximum of 14 at noon, presenting a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels remain elevated at 13 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM but then begin to taper off by 3:00 PM, dropping to 7. The evening brings a significant decrease, with the index falling back to 1 by 5:00 PM and fading into 0 as the sun sets at 7:00 PM. It's essential to take precautions during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
The seasonal UV changes reveal significant fluctuations, particularly from January to October, with the highest UV Index recorded in March at 15, and consistently high levels from February to October, primarily in the extreme category. The high-risk months for UV exposure are February through October, when the burn time is notably reduced to 10 minutes across these months. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during this time, such as wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to avoid harmful effects from UV radiation. In contrast, January and December present lower risks, with UV indices at 10 and burn times extending to 15 minutes, suggesting a slightly safer environment but still warranting caution.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Svay Chek | 10 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
Battambang UVI | 10 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
Siem Reap UVI | 10 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
Phnom Penh UVI | 10 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
Takeo UVI | 10 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
Sihanoukville UVI | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 |