Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents of Prey Veng, Cambodia, where the tropical climate brings high levels of solar radiation. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for sunburn prevention but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With peak UV Index readings often reaching as high as 13 during midday, it’s vital for locals and visitors alike to protect themselves against harmful exposure, especially given the region's intense sunlight. By staying informed about UV conditions, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin from its potential dangers.
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 |
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 |
| Prey Veng | 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 |