UV Index in Kota Bharu, Malaysia

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Kota Bharu, Malaysia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful UV radiation. With an Af climate that typically features high humidity and intense sunlight, the UV levels can soar, especially around midday, reaching a staggering 12 at peak hours. Staying informed about daily UV readings not only helps in avoiding sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. As you enjoy the sunny days of Kota Bharu, being aware of the UV Index can empower you to take the right precautions to protect your skin from damage.

Hourly UV Index in Kota Bharu

The UV Index for the day tells a fascinating story of rising intensity under the sun. Early risers at 07:00 and 08:00 experienced a mild UV Index of 1, perfect for leisurely outdoor activities. As the day progressed, the index climbed steadily, reaching a moderate 3 by 09:00. By 11:00, it surged to 9, marking the start of peak sun exposure. The sun blazed at 12:00, reaching a high of 12, and continued to shine at 13:00 with an impressive 13. Throughout the afternoon, the intensity began to retreat, falling to 12 by 14:00 and gently tapering to 9 at 15:00. By evening, the sun’s grip loosened, with the index dropping to 3 at 17:00 and finally returning to a gentle 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. A day filled with sunshine serves as a reminder to stay protected during those peak hours!

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	1	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	6	high	25 min
11:00	9	very high	15 min
12:00	12	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	12	extreme	10 min
15:00	9	very high	15 min
16:00	6	high	25 min
17:00	3	moderate	30 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Kota Bharu

Throughout the year, UV Index levels remain consistently high, indicating extreme sun exposure from January to December, with values ranging from 12 to 16. The months of February to March represent the peak period, where the UV Index reaches its highest point of 15 to 16, posing the greatest risk for sunburns with a critical burn time of just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take strong precautions during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible. This vigilance is crucial, as even in the other months, the UV Index remains elevated, underscoring the need for year-round sun safety awareness.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Kota Bharu, Malaysia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Kota Bharu. 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 Kota Bharu, 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 Kota Bharu UV Index with Other Malaysia Cities

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

Kota Bharu's solar exposure compared to other cities in Malaysia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Kampung Baru Subang UVI	13	15	15	14	13	12	12	13	14	14	13	12
Klang UVI	13	15	15	14	13	12	12	13	14	14	13	12
Kuala Lumpur UVI	13	15	15	14	13	12	12	13	14	14	13	12
Kota Bharu	13	15	16	15	14	13	12	13	14	14	12	12
Johor Bahru UVI	13	15	16	14	13	12	12	13	14	14	13	13