Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for staying safe in Somdet, Thailand, where the sun can be intense, particularly during the peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM. With an average maximum UV Index that can soar to 15, being aware of the UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. Somdet's tropical climate, characterized by warm weather year-round, presents unique exposure risks that make it essential to stay informed and take appropriate precautions. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while minimizing the risk of harmful sun effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off at a low 1 at 7:00 AM, allowing for a gentle beginning to the day. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 3, signaling a slight increase in UV exposure. The real surge begins at 9:00 AM, where the index leaps to 7, marking the onset of peak sun intensity. 10:00 AM hits a striking 10, followed by a maximum of 15 at 12:00 PM, the harshest moment for sun exposure. The index begins to taper off as the afternoon progresses, dropping to 11 by 2:00 PM, then to 7 at 3:00 PM. As the sun sets, the values continue to decline sharply, hitting 1 by 5:00 PM and dropping to 0 by 7:00 PM. It’s clear that midday offers the most intense UV levels, urging sun safety during those hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest values occurring from February to October. January marks the start of high UV exposure with an index of 9, classified as very high, though burn time is manageable at 15 minutes. By February, the UV Index climbs dramatically to 12, entering the extreme category, and remains at this level through October where it drops slightly to 12 in October. July typically sees the peak UV Index of 15, making it one of the most hazardous months for sun exposure, with a burn time of just 10 minutes during this period. Residents and visitors should take extra precautions during these high-risk months, particularly from February to October, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize skin damage. As the UV Index fluctuates, it's essential to remain vigilant and adjust sun protection measures accordingly.
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 |
| Udon Thani UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Somdet | 9 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Chon Buri UVI | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |