Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Kaoh Soutin, Cambodia, where the tropical climate brings intense sunlight year-round. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 13 around noon, awareness of these fluctuations can play a vital role in preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health. As you explore this vibrant region, staying informed about UV exposure risks is essential to enjoying the sun safely. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or exploring local attractions, knowing the UV Index can help safeguard your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a dynamic pattern, peaking around midday. Starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00, it escalates rapidly, reaching 4 by 08:00. The intensity continues to climb, hitting 7 at 09:00 before soaring to a staggering 10 at 10:00. The highest level is observed at 12, where it maintains a powerful 13 from 12:00 to 13:00, prompting a strong call for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dropping back to 9 at 14:00 and then to 6 by 15:00. By late afternoon, the UV Index dips further to 3 at 16:00, before settling back down to 1 by 17:00 and waning to 0 after 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during the peak hours, particularly between 11:00 and 13:00.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variation, peaking between January and September, where values range from 11 to 15, all categorized as extreme exposure with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months are especially pronounced from February to April, culminating in a March peak at 15. As summer progresses, the UV Index slightly decreases but remains high, with values of 13 to 14 throughout June to September. October sees a minimal drop to 13, followed by a gradual decline into the very high category in December at 10, allowing a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to protect themselves with sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing during these high-risk months, maintaining awareness of exposure times to safeguard against sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Kaoh Soutin | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 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 |