Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Preah Sdach, Cambodia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels can help you avoid painful sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring your outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe. Situated in a tropical climate, Preah Sdach experiences high UV exposure, particularly between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the index peaks at a scorching 13. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your skin and maintain optimal health under the sun.
The UV Index fluctuates significantly throughout the day, peaking at 13 during the late morning and early afternoon hours. Starting out gently at 1 at 07:00, the index rises steadily, reaching 4 by 08:00, and then surging to a striking 10 by 10:00. The sun’s intensity continues to climb, hitting its maximum values of 13 at both 11:00 and 12:00. As the day progresses, the UV levels begin to taper off, dropping to 12 at 13:00, and then rolling down to 9 by 14:00. In the afternoon, the index decreases further, settling at 5 at 15:00 before dwindling to 3 at 16:00. The evening sees a sharp decline, with values falling back to 1 by 17:00 and then retreating to 0 after sunset. This hourly data underscores the importance of sun protection during peak UV times, especially from late morning to early afternoon.
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking between February and September, when it reaches extreme levels of 14-15, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. January and December are slightly lower with a UV Index of 10, classified as very high, allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes. Notably, the months from February to November are categorized as high-risk, necessitating extra precautions for visitors and residents who plan to spend time outdoors. It is essential to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours to mitigate the risk of skin damage, especially during this high-risk period.
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 |
| Preah Sdach | 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 |