UV Index in Phonthong, Laos

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Phonthong, Laos is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With UV levels soaring to a peak of 15 during midday, awareness of these fluctuating levels can help you prevent sunburn and maintain long-term skin health. Phonthong’s tropical climate brings an abundance of sunshine, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about UV exposure risks. By checking the UV Index, you can enjoy outdoor activities safely while safeguarding your skin against potential damage.

Hourly UV Index in Phonthong

As the sun rises on a new day, the UV Index begins at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to reach its peak of 15 by 12:00 PM. The hours between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM showcase the sun's intensity, highlighted by a significant spike to 11 at 10:00 AM and 14 at 11:00 AM. However, by the afternoon, the radiation starts to wane, dropping to 6 at 3:00 PM, and then tapering off significantly as evening approaches. By 6:00 PM, the UV Index returns to a safe level of 1, and by 7:00 PM, it settles at 0, signaling the end of peak solar radiation for the day. Remember, during those peak hours, it’s essential to protect your skin!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Phonthong

The seasonal UV changes indicate a trend of very high to extreme UV levels primarily from January through October, with February to July showing the highest indices. Specifically, March and April peak at a UV Index of 15, categorizing the exposure as extreme, warranting a burn time of just 10 minutes. High-risk months are clearly defined from February to October, where protective measures are crucial; these months have a consistent UV Index ranging from 12 to 15. As such, it is advisable for both visitors and residents to exercise caution during outdoor activities by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, while seeking shade whenever possible, especially during peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. even when the burn time is notably short.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Phonthong, Laos

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Phonthong. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Phonthong, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Phonthong UV Index with Other Laos Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Phonthong compares to other major locations across Laos. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Phonthong's solar exposure compared to other cities in Laos. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Phonthong	10	13	14	15	14	13	15	14	14	12	10	9
Pakse UVI	10	13	14	15	14	13	15	14	14	12	10	9