Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Luang Namtha, Laos, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and health. As this charming town experiences a Cwa climate, the UV levels can spike significantly, especially around midday, where values can reach as high as 14. Understanding these levels is vital for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful outdoor landscapes while minimizing the risks of overexposure. With peak UV radiation occurring between 10 AM and 2 PM, it’s essential to take precautions during these hours to protect yourself from potential harm. Stay informed and make sun safety a priority!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, starting at a low 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it escalates to a moderate 3, signaling the need for some sun protection if you're headed outdoors. The real intensity kicks in as we approach mid-morning, peaking at a remarkable 14 by 12:00. This mid-day surge marks the highest risk for UV exposure, with values hovering around 13 from 11:00 to 13:00. As the afternoon rolls on, a gradual decline occurs, with the index dropping to 7 by 15:00, then further to 4 by 16:00. As evening sets in, the UV Index wanes to a safe 1 by 18:00, fading to 0 by 19:00. This hourly progression highlights the importance of vigilance during the sun's peak hours to stay protected while enjoying the great outdoors!
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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring from March to October. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 15 in July and remains extremely high, with a consistent index of 14 in both May and August. January and December start with a very high category but see slightly lower indices, reaching 9 and 8, respectively. The highest risk months are from March to October, where burn time is drastically reduced to 10 minutes, necessitating careful sun protection measures. Visitors and residents are advised to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats, especially during midday hours, and to seek shade when possible to minimize UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Luang Namtha | 9 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
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 |