Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Smach Mean Chey, Cambodia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and maintain overall skin health, especially during the intense midday sun when the index peaks at a serious level of 14 around noon. Given the region’s tropical climate, residents and visitors alike must remain vigilant about UV risks, as daily exposure can lead to long-term skin damage. With proper awareness and protection, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoor environment safely!
At dawn, the UV Index starts off low at 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing as the sun ascends. By 08:00, it reaches 3, hinting at the day's potential. The real intensity kicks in at 09:00 with a UV Index of 6, but it’s not until 10:00 that we see a peak at 10—a clear signal to apply sun protection. The index continues to rise, hitting its maximum at 12:00 with a scorching 14, before slowly tapering off through the afternoon. By 15:00, it drops to 7, then declines further to 4 at 16:00, and by evening, it cools down to 1 at 17:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops to 0 by 19:00, making it a safe time to enjoy outdoor activities without concern for sun exposure.
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 | 4 | 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 notable seasonal variations, remaining at an extreme level throughout most of the year. From January to September, the UV Index consistently ranges from 11 to 15, with March, April, and September being particularly high at 15. The months of February and March are particularly critical, reaching a peak of 13 and 15, respectively, indicating a higher risk for harmful UV exposure. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these high-risk months—specifically from February to September—by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially if outdoors for extended periods. As October to December approaches, the UV Index slightly declines, but caution is still advised as even November and December maintain a very high level of UV radiation. Always be vigilant, regardless of the time of year, to minimize the risk of 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 |
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 |
Smach Mean Chey | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 10 |