Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Don Phut, Thailand, as it serves as a vital indicator of the sun's ultraviolet radiation levels. With UV exposure peaking at index values that can reach as high as 13, knowing when to take precautions can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. Given Don Phut's tropical climate, where sunshine is abundant throughout the year, being aware of the UV levels daily helps minimize the risk of skin damage. Embrace the sun safely by staying informed about the UV Index and taking the necessary steps to protect your skin!
At 07:00, the UV Index starts at a low 1, providing a gentle introduction to the day. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity begins to rise sharply, hitting 3 by 08:00 and reaching a notable 5 by 09:00. The real surge occurs between 10:00 and 12:00, where the UV Index soars from 9 to a peak of 13. The afternoon maintains this intensity, with 12 at 13:00 and gradually tapering off afterward. By 15:00, it dips to 7, then drops further to 4 by 16:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index returns to a lower level, sitting at 2 by 17:00, and finally tapering to 1 at 18:00, before completely fading to 0 by 19:00. This daily UV Index cycle highlights the importance of sun safety during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don Phut | 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 |