UV Index in Sandakan, Malaysia

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Sandakan, Malaysia is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With its tropical climate, Sandakan experiences intense sun exposure, especially during peak hours when UV levels can soar to 12 and 13—a strong indication of potential harm. Being aware of these varying UV levels helps you prevent sunburn, protect against skin damage, and lower the risk of skin cancer. As you enjoy the beauty of this vibrant region, stay informed about the UV Index to ensure safe sun practices and to keep your skin healthy and radiant.

Hourly UV Index in Sandakan

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it jumps to 3, a signal to enjoy some morning sun responsibly. The real intensity kicks in at 9:00 AM, peaking at 12:00 PM with a blistering 13—a reminder to seek shade and slather on that sunscreen! After the midday heat, the index begins to decline, dipping to 10 at 2:00 PM, and down to 1 by 5:00 PM. Finally, the day winds down at 6:00 PM with a UV index of 1, wrapping up the daylight hours with minimal UV exposure. Stay sun-safe and keep that SPF handy 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	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	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 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