Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Tbeng Meanchey, Cambodia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health under the tropical sun. Understanding the UV levels can help prevent harmful sunburns and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. With a climate characterized by high temperatures and intense sunshine, residents and visitors alike should be cautious, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can soar to extreme levels of 13 around noon. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny days while protecting your skin from potential harm.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts off gently at 1, making it a safe time for morning activities. By 08:00, it rises to 3, indicating moderate levels of UV radiation. The sun begins to assert its dominance by 09:00, with the index climbing to 7, pushing outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade. 10:00 marks a significant peak at 10, and by 11:00, it reaches 12—a dangerous level where sun protection becomes crucial. The highest point occurs at 12:00, with the UV Index soaring to 13, suggesting that even brief exposure can lead to skin damage. From 13:00 to 14:00, it gently decreases to 12 and 9, respectively, but still warrants caution. As afternoon fades into evening, the index tapers off, dropping to 6 at 15:00 and further down to 3 by 16:00. Finally, the sun's intensity dwindles in the early evening, with indices falling to 1 by 17:00, 1 at 18:00, and reaching a low of 0 by 19:00. Plan your outdoor activities wisely to stay safe under the sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, peaking from February to September. These months are classified with an extreme UV index, notably reaching a maximum of 15 in May. The highest risk months are February to September, where the burn time is notably short at just 10 minutes. Conversely, January, October, November, and December see a moderate risk with a very high category in January and December, where the burn time extends to 15 minutes. To protect against harmful effects of UV radiation, visitors and residents are strongly advised to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during peak sun hours in the 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 |
| Tbeng Meanchey | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 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 |