Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Kampong Seila, Cambodia, where the tropical climate brings intense sun exposure. Knowing the UV levels can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health, as prolonged exposure to high UV radiation can lead to serious skin issues. With midday indices peaking at an alarming 14, it’s vital to stay informed about daily UV risks, especially between 10 AM to 2 PM, when the sun is at its strongest. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Cambodian outdoors while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its steady climb, starting at a mild 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 3, signaling the need for some caution. The intensity reaches a notable 6 by 9:00 AM, but it’s from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM when the sun truly asserts its power, peaking at a scorching 14 at noon. Fortunately, the index starts to dip slightly, maintaining a robust 10 at 2:00 PM before gradually descending to a 1 by late afternoon. As daylight wanes, the UV Index drops to 0 by 7:00 PM, bringing a welcome relief as the day comes to a close. Stay sun-smart and protect your skin 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 reveals significant seasonal changes with consistently high to extreme levels from January through October, indicating a persistent risk for skin damage. The peak months exhibiting the highest readings of 15 in March, April, and May are particularly noteworthy, as exposure is extreme with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors should be especially cautious during these months, along with February and July when the index remains above 13. As the year moves into December, the UV Index decreases slightly to 10, categorized as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes, still recommending vigilance. To protect against UV exposure, it is advisable to wear protective clothing, use sunscreen, and limit direct sun exposure during peak hours, especially in high-risk months.
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 |
| 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 |
| Kampong Seila | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |