Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Sai Mai, Thailand, where the tropical climate brings intense sunlight and corresponding UV risks. With peak UV levels soaring above 11 during midday, it's crucial to be aware of how UV exposure affects skin health and the likelihood of sunburn. By keeping an eye on local UV readings, you can better protect yourself, enjoy the sunny weather safely, and reduce the long-term effects of sun damage. Whether basking in the sun or engaging in outdoor activities, make informed choices to protect your skin in this vibrant district known for its beautiful landscapes and warm climate.
The UV Index for the day illustrates a dramatic rise in sun exposure potential as the morning transitions into noon. Starting at a modest 1 at 07:00, the index escalates to 3 by 08:00, before reaching a peak of 13 at 12:00. This represents an intense level of UV radiation, urging caution for outdoor activities. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, dropping from 12 at 13:00 to 6 by 15:00, before tapering off towards evening, falling to 0 by 19:00. This noteworthy pattern highlights the critical midday hours for sun protection, especially from 10:00 to 14:00, when the UV Index is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | 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 | 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 exhibits significant variability throughout the year, with particularly high levels from February to October. This period is characterized by an extreme exposure category, peaking in April with an index of 14. March through October consistently shows an index of 12-13, indicating a dangerous risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months are notably February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October, where it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions. During these months, it’s advisable to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. In contrast, January, November, and December have a lower UV Index, falling under the very high category, allowing for slightly longer exposure times of 15 minutes without protection. However, caution is still recommended during these months as well.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sai Mai | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Mueang Nonthaburi UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Samut Prakan UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Bangkok UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Udon Thani UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Chon Buri UVI | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |