Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Phanom Dong Rak, Thailand, where the tropical climate often leads to elevated UV levels. Being aware of these levels is essential for protecting your skin from sunburn and long-term damage, especially when UV indices can peak at an intense 14 during midday hours. With an average of 8 hours of sunshine each day, the risk of overexposure increases significantly. By keeping track of the UV Index, you can take necessary precautions and enjoy the beautiful, sun-soaked landscapes of this region while safeguarding your skin health.
Starting the day at a mild UV Index of 1 at 7:00 AM, the sun gradually climbs its way to peak intensity. By 10:00 AM, the index hits a striking 10, climbing to its maximum of 14 at noon, presenting a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels remain elevated at 13 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM but then begin to taper off by 3:00 PM, dropping to 7. The evening brings a significant decrease, with the index falling back to 1 by 5:00 PM and fading into 0 as the sun sets at 7:00 PM. It's essential to take precautions 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | 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 experiences significant seasonal variation, with particularly high-risk months from February to October, where the index consistently registers between 13 and 15, categorized as extreme. Notably, the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, and September each have a peak UV Index of 14-15, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, January, November, and December present lower risk levels with UV Index values around 9-10 and longer burn times of 15 minutes. It is essential for both visitors and residents to practice sun safety during the high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, especially during peak sun hours. Staying vigilant about UV exposure can help prevent skin damage and risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.
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 |
| Phanom Dong Rak | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |