Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Muang Phonsavan, Laos, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage. This charming town, located in a temperate Cwa climate, experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during peak hours when the index can soar to a striking 15. With the sun's intensity rising as early as 9:00 AM, it's vital to be informed and take protective measures to enjoy the beautiful outdoors without compromising your skin health.
The UV Index data presents a compelling picture of daily sun intensity. Starting off the day at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM, it quickly ramps up, hitting 4 by 8:00 AM. The sun’s strength peaks spectacularly at 15 around 12:00 PM, making it essential to seek shade or apply sunscreen. A gradual decline begins after this peak, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM and tapering off to 1 by 5:00 PM. Finally, UV exposure drops to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe end to outdoor activities. Plan your day wisely to protect your skin during those midday hours!
| 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 | 7 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, revealing significant variations in sun exposure risk throughout the year. The months of February to October consistently show extreme UV levels, with March to September peaking at an index of 15 and a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. Notably, April through September are identified as high-risk months where residents and visitors should exercise increased caution. January, November, and December still present very high UV levels with longer burn times of 15 minutes, underscoring the importance of year-round sun protection. It is advisable for everyone to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during peak hours, to minimize the risk of UV-related damage.
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 |
| Muang Phonsavan | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
| Pakse UVI | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |