Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Pla Pak, Thailand, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a tropical climate and intense sunlight, awareness of UV levels can make a significant difference in protecting yourself from harmful rays. The daily UV Index often peaks between mid-morning and early afternoon, with values reaching as high as 15, indicating extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take appropriate precautions to enjoy the beautiful outdoor conditions while safeguarding your skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting modestly at a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to a notable 4, signaling the need for sun protection. The day reaches its peak at 12:00 PM, where it soars to a striking 15, highlighting the intensity of midday sun. From there, it gradually dips; by 3:00 PM, it retreats to 7, before continuing down to 1 by 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM and finally dropping to 0 at 7:00 PM. This hourly fluctuation emphasizes the importance of vigilance in sun safety, especially during the midday hours when UV rays are at their most potent.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to April, UV levels rise sharply, peaking in April at an index of 15, defining it as a month with extreme exposure risk; similar levels prevail in July. The months of February, March, April, June, July, August, September, and October all demonstrate extreme ratings, suggesting that ten minutes of unprotected exposure can lead to sunburn. Notably, February, March, April, and July are the highest-risk months with indices at 12 or above. Conversely, November and December experience a drop to very high ratings at 10 and 9, respectively, where 15 minutes of exposure could result in burns. To protect yourself, it is essential for both visitors and residents to take necessary precautions during high UV months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly.
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 |
| Pla Pak | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Chon Buri UVI | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |