Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Phanna Nikhom, Thailand, where the sun shines brightly throughout the year. With a climate categorized as Aw, exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays can significantly increase, particularly during midday hours when the index reaches a peak of 15. By staying informed about UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and protect your skin health, making it essential to regularly check the UV Index. Be aware that even at lower levels, like early morning or late afternoon, UV rays can still pose risks; knowledge is your best defense against skin damage in this sun-soaked region.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off at a low 1 at 7:00 AM, allowing for a gentle beginning to the day. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 3, signaling a slight increase in UV exposure. The real surge begins at 9:00 AM, where the index leaps to 7, marking the onset of peak sun intensity. 10:00 AM hits a striking 10, followed by a maximum of 15 at 12:00 PM, the harshest moment for sun exposure. The index begins to taper off as the afternoon progresses, dropping to 11 by 2:00 PM, then to 7 at 3:00 PM. As the sun sets, the values continue to decline sharply, hitting 1 by 5:00 PM and dropping to 0 by 7:00 PM. It’s clear that midday offers the most intense UV levels, urging sun safety during those hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 15 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest values occurring from February to October. January marks the start of high UV exposure with an index of 9, classified as very high, though burn time is manageable at 15 minutes. By February, the UV Index climbs dramatically to 12, entering the extreme category, and remains at this level through October where it drops slightly to 12 in October. July typically sees the peak UV Index of 15, making it one of the most hazardous months for sun exposure, with a burn time of just 10 minutes during this period. Residents and visitors should take extra precautions during these high-risk months, particularly from February to October, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize skin damage. As the UV Index fluctuates, it's essential to remain vigilant and adjust sun protection measures accordingly.
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 |
| Phanna Nikhom | 9 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Chon Buri UVI | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |