Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors of Ban Chang, Thailand, where the tropical climate brings sunshine almost year-round. Awareness of UV levels is crucial not only for preventing sunburns but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With peak UV readings reaching as high as 14 during midday hours, it's essential to recognize the risks of prolonged sun exposure. Whether you're enjoying the beach, exploring local attractions, or simply soaking in the sun, staying mindful of the UV Index can help you protect your skin and enjoy all that Ban Chang has to offer safely.
From the early hours of the day, the UV Index begins at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, increasing gradually as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 8:00 AM, it rises to 3, and then sharply escalates to 6 by 9:00 AM. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00 PM, where the UV Index reaches a striking 14. From there, it maintains a high level for another hour before gradually declining: 11 at 2:00 PM, diminishing to 7 by 3:00 PM and further down to 4 at 4:00 PM. As the evening approaches, the UV Index drops to 2 at 5:00 PM, finally tapering off to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling the end of a day characterized by significant UV radiation exposure. It’s crucial to protect your skin during peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the UV Index reaches its maximum!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variation, peaking during the months of March through October, where it consistently reaches 14 in many months, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. January and November present very high conditions with indices of 10 and a burn time of 15 minutes, while December shows a slightly lower index of 9. Given this data, visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant from February through October, as these months carry the highest risk for UV exposure. It is advisable to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours, to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| Ban Chang | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |