Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Khao Kho, Thailand—a region blessed with sunny skies and beautiful landscapes but also faced with significant UV exposure risks. The UV Index serves as a daily guide to help protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation, which can lead to sunburn and long-term health issues. In Khao Kho, the climate features stunning daylight hours, but it’s essential to be aware of peak UV levels, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the index can soar to as high as 14. Being informed about these levels not only enhances your outdoor experience but also safeguards your skin health, ensuring you can enjoy the breathtaking views without compromising your well-being.
The UV Index today showcases a dramatic rise in intensity as the sun reaches its zenith. Starting at a minimal 1 at 07:00, the index climbs steadily, peaking at an impressive 14 by 12:00, marking the day's highest point of sun exposure. From 11:00 to 13:00, when the UV Index registers between 12 and 13, it's crucial to protect your skin from potential damage. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to dip, settling back to 10 at 14:00 and gradually declining to 1 by 17:00, making the evening safer for outdoor activities. With a final reading of 0 at 19:00, the day's sunlight wanes, urging caution for those venturing out during peak hours!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | 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 demonstrates significant seasonal variations, with peak levels occurring from February to October, where values reach as high as 14 in several months, classified as extreme. The high-risk months for UV exposure are February through October, with March, April, July, August, and September consistently recording the highest intensity. During these months, the recommended burn time is just 10 minutes, emphasizing the need for protective measures. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions, such as applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours, to mitigate the risk of skin damage and other UV-related health issues. In contrast, November and December present lower UV levels (9-10), where burn times lengthen to 15 minutes, but caution is still warranted during outdoor activities.
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 |
| Khao Kho | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
| Chon Buri UVI | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |