Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Suwannaphum, Thailand, where the tropical climate brings significant sun exposure year-round. The UV levels in this vibrant region can soar, reaching a staggering 15 at peak hours, making it crucial to be aware of the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure—primarily the threat of sunburn and long-term skin health issues. By monitoring the UV Index, individuals can take proactive steps to protect themselves from harmful rays, ensuring their outdoor activities are both enjoyable and safe. With temperatures often high and UV levels peaking around midday, being informed about UV exposure is a vital component of living well in Suwannaphum's sunny environment.
As the sun rises on a new day, the UV Index begins at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to reach its peak of 15 by 12:00 PM. The hours between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM showcase the sun's intensity, highlighted by a significant spike to 11 at 10:00 AM and 14 at 11:00 AM. However, by the afternoon, the radiation starts to wane, dropping to 6 at 3:00 PM, and then tapering off significantly as evening approaches. By 6:00 PM, the UV Index returns to a safe level of 1, and by 7:00 PM, it settles at 0, signaling the end of peak solar radiation for the day. Remember, during those peak hours, it’s essential to protect your skin!
| 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 | 6 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest levels recorded from February to October, particularly peaking in May (UV Index 15) and maintaining extreme levels from March to October. January starts the year with a UV Index of 10, categorizing it as very high, while November and December also retain a very high exposure but with slightly lower indices of 10 and 9, respectively. High-risk months are predominantly from February to October, where the UV Index remains at extreme levels of 13 to 15, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours to minimize the risk of UV-related 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 |
| Suwannaphum | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |