Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Phuket, Thailand, understanding the UV Index is crucial for both residents and visitors, especially given the island's tropical climate. During peak hours, the UV levels can soar, reaching dangerous heights — with a maximum of 13 at midday. Awareness of these levels is essential not only for sunburn prevention but also for maintaining long-term skin health. As you bask in the sun, it’s important to recognize the risks associated with high UV exposure, and plan your outdoor activities accordingly to keep your skin safe and healthy. Stay informed and enjoy all that beautiful Phuket has to offer while protecting yourself from harmful UV rays!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts modestly at 1 at 07:00, indicating minimal risk. By 09:00, it climbs to a moderate 5, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions. The peak emerges around 12:00, hitting a noticeably high 13, and remains intense until 14:00 when it slightly dips to 11. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually decreases; by 15:00, it falls to 7, and as evening approaches, it continues its decline to 2 at 17:00. Finally, the UV Index settles at 1 by 18:00, ultimately dipping to a safe 0 by 19:00. It's a day where midday sun protection is paramount!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 7 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently high, reaching extreme levels from January to November, with values peaking at 15 in March and April. The risk of skin damage is significant, as the burn time is consistently limited to just 10 minutes. The months of February, March, April, May, August, September, and October are particularly high-risk, maintaining UV Index scores of 14 or higher. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible. Staying vigilant about UV exposure is essential to protect skin health year-round.
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 |
Chon Buri UVI | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
Phuket | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |