Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Mae Chan, Thailand, where the sun shines brightly for most of the year. Awareness of UV levels not only aids in preventing sunburn but also plays a significant role in maintaining long-term skin health. With a tropical climate characterized by intense sunlight, Mae Chan experiences particularly high UV exposure, especially during midday when the index peaks at a staggering 14. Staying informed about these levels empowers individuals to protect themselves against harmful effects while enjoying the region's beautiful outdoors.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 3 by 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 6, but the real intensity kicks in as it peaks at a striking 14 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. The midday sun unleashes its full power, with the index soaring to 13 at 11:00 AM and 14 again at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM—a clear signal for sun protection! As the afternoon sets in, values begin to dip, dropping to 12 by 2:00 PM, followed by a gradual decline to 8 at 3:00 PM, 5 at 4:00 PM, and back down to 1 by 6:00 PM. The day concludes with a 0 UV Index by 7:00 PM, signaling it's safe to step outside without sunscreen. Stay sun-smart and plan your activities accordingly!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, with the highest values observed from March to October. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 14, categorized as extreme from May to September, where the recommended maximum sun exposure is only 10 minutes before burns can occur. January and February start with a very high rating of 9 and 10, respectively, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Notably, the months of March, April, and October transition back to extreme but still maintain 10 minutes of safe exposure. For residents and visitors, it is crucial to take protective measures, especially during the high-risk months from March to October. Recommendations include wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Mae Chan | 9 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 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 |