Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Bontang, Indonesia, where the tropical Af climate brings abundant sunshine and unique outdoor opportunities. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for safeguarding long-term skin health. In Bontang, the midday sun can be particularly intense, peaking at a UV Index of 12 around noon, which signals an urgent need for protective measures. With such high levels, knowing when and how to shield yourself from harmful rays can make all the difference in enjoying the sunny days while keeping your skin safe.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic rise and fall, with the peak intensity occurring at 12:00 PM, where it reaches a striking value of 12. From the early morning hours, starting at 07:00 AM with a low index of 1, the sun's rays gradually strengthen, climbing to 3 by 08:00 AM and 5 by 09:00 AM. The index then surges to 9 at 10:00 AM, hitting 11 by 11:00 AM. Following its zenith, the index slightly declines to 11 again at 1:00 PM before tapering off to 5 at 3:00 PM. As the day progresses, a gentle descent continues, landing back at 1 by 05:00 PM and leading into the evening hours where it eventually drops to 0 by 07:00 PM. This compelling data reminds us of the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when the UV exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains extremely high, indicating that sun safety is crucial for both visitors and residents. The highest UV levels are observed from February to March, peaking at 17 in March, which poses a significant risk of skin damage within just 10 minutes of unprotected exposure. While summer months show a slight decrease, with June to August's indices ranging from 12 to 14, the risk remains considerable. October through December sees a slight reduction but still maintains an extreme exposure category of 13 to 15. Therefore, it is essential to minimize sun exposure, particularly during these high-risk months, ensure the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade whenever possible to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surabaya UVI | 13 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Bekasi UVI | 14 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 13 |
| Jakarta UVI | 14 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 13 |
| Medan UVI | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Bandung UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 |
| Bontang | 14 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 |