Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Phachi, Thailand, where tropical weather can expose individuals to significant ultraviolet rays. With UV levels often reaching their peak at noon—as high as 12—awareness of these fluctuations is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. The climate here, characterized by a predominantly tropical wet and dry pattern, means that UV exposure can be dangerously high during midday hours. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful Thai outdoors safely!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a striking pattern of intensity. In the early morning, at 7:00 AM, it begins modestly at 1, gradually ramping up to 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, 9:00 AM sees the index soar to 6, reaching a peak of 12 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM—a reminder of the midday sun’s potency. In the afternoon, the value dips from 12 at 1:00 PM down to 9 by 2:00 PM, then further decreases to 6 at 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index continues to fall, ending at a minimal 0 by 7:00 PM. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours when the UV index hits 11 and 12!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phachi | 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 |