Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Champasak, Laos, where the tropical climate can lead to high levels of ultraviolet radiation, particularly during midday hours. Being informed about UV levels is crucial for sunburn prevention and maintaining healthy skin, especially given the region's typical peak UV Index that can soar to 15 around noon. With peak exposure occurring between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, it's vital to take protective measures to enjoy the beautiful sunny days in Champasak while safeguarding your health.
At sunrise, the UV Index starts at a mild 2 at 07:00, gradually climbing to 4 by 08:00. As the sun rises higher, the intensity peaks sharply at 15 around 12:00, marking the day’s highest UV exposure. The heat continues until about 13:00, when it dips slightly to 13, before tapering off to 10 by 14:00. Later in the afternoon, the UV Index significantly decreases to 6 at 15:00 and sinks to 3 by 16:00. By 17:00, it drops further to 1, and the sun sets, leaving the UV Index at a safe 0 by 19:00. It’s crucial to take precautions during those peak hours, especially between 10:00 and 14:00 when UV radiation is strongest.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | 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, the UV Index reveals significant seasonal variations, with the highest risk months occurring from February to November. During this period, particularly from March to August, the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels of 15, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. The risk begins to taper off in October with a UV Index of 13, and November sees a slight decrease to 11. As winter approaches, January and December present a lower risk with a UV Index of 10, allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes. To protect yourself during high-risk months, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and cover up when the UV Index is high, especially between late morning and early afternoon.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Luang Prabang UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 8 |
Vientiane UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
Thakhek UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Savannakhet UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Pakse UVI | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Champasak | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |