UV Index in Sandakan, Malaysia

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Sandakan, Malaysia, where the tropical climate brings intense sun exposure year-round. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 13—especially around midday—awareness of UV risks becomes vital for preventing sunburn and safeguarding your skin health. Sandakan's warm atmosphere invites outdoor activities, but without proper precautions, the potential for harmful effects increases significantly. Stay informed about the UV Index to enjoy the sun safely and protect yourself from its dangers!

Hourly UV Index in Sandakan

As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises dramatically, peaking at 13 around 12:00 PM, signaling a maximum level of sun intensity. Early morning hours start off mild, with a low of 1 at 07:00 and climbing steadily to 6 by 09:00. The sun reaches its zenith at 11:00, with a value of 12, before gradually declining through the afternoon. By 15:00, the index drops to 6, further falling to 3 by 16:00 and finally returning to a safe 1 by 17:00. As twilight approaches, the index settles to 0 after 19:00, providing a serene close to the day. Remember to protect your skin during the peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM, when the sun's rays are most potent!

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	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	6	high	25 min
10:00	9	very high	15 min
11:00	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	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 Sandakan

The UV Index exhibits a relatively consistent level of extreme exposure throughout the year, with the highest values observed from February to April, reaching a peak of 16. January and March also show high values, while May to July experience a slight reduction, with UV Index values dropping to as low as 13. Notably, September and October maintain high levels at 15 and 14, respectively, indicating that late summer and early fall remain high-risk periods for sunburn. Visitors and residents should take precautions throughout the year, especially during these high-risk months, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and limiting sun exposure to 10 minutes at peak times to prevent harmful effects from the sun.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Sandakan, Malaysia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Sandakan 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.

Sandakan'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 UVI	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
Sandakan	14	15	16	16	14	13	13	14	15	14	13	12