Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Son, Thailand, where the tropical climate brings intense sunlight year-round. With UV levels peaking at 14 around midday, it’s vital to recognize the risks of prolonged sun exposure, which can lead to painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you empower yourself to take protective measures during the hottest hours and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. In Son, where temperatures soar and sun exposure is common, being informed about UV risks is essential for maintaining optimal skin health and overall well-being.
The UV Index offers a clear glimpse into the sun's intensity throughout the day, peaking dramatically around noon. At 07:00, the index starts at a gentle 1, but by 08:00, it rises to 3, indicating that the sun's rays are beginning to strengthen. As the morning progresses, the UV Index climbs steadily, hitting 6 by 09:00 and then surging to a striking 9 at 10:00. The midday sun reaches its zenith at 12:00 and 13:00, with an alarming 14, signaling a critical time for outdoor activities without proper protection. As the afternoon wanes, the index tapers off, dropping to 11 at 14:00, and continuing to decline to 4 by 16:00. By 17:00, it plummets to 1, and as evening approaches, it gently falls to 0 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during those peak hours!
| 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 | 13 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits a generally high level of intensity year-round, with extreme exposure categories persisting through all months. The peak occurs in March at an UV Index of 16, followed closely by February with 15 and April with 15 as well. High-risk months include these three spring months and September through November, where the UV index remains elevated, indicating that the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure is significant. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, including wearing sunscreen with high SPF, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize sun exposure, particularly during the midday hours. A quick 10-minute burn time underscores the urgency of protective measures throughout the year.
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 |
| Son | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 12 |