Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mae Sot, Thailand, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With its tropical climate and high UV exposure, knowing when the UV levels peak can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. During the daytime, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can soar as high as 14, signaling extreme conditions that warrant caution. By being aware of these levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Mae Sot while taking necessary precautions to safeguard your skin health.
As the day breaks, the UV Index begins at a cautious 1 at 07:00, indicating low risk for sun exposure. By 08:00, it climbs to 3, prompting some to consider a light sunscreen. The intensity picks up significantly by 09:00 with a 5, warning us that the sun's rays are becoming more potent. At 10:00, the UV Index peaks at an exhilarating 9, signifying a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The sun is at its strongest between 11:00 and 13:00, where it reaches a staggering 14, urging everyone to seek shade and lavish on the sunscreen. As the afternoon unfolds, the readings begin to descend, dropping to 12 at 14:00 and gradually tapering down to 8 at 15:00. The evening brings relief, with the Index falling to 5 by 16:00, and dwindling to 2 at 17:00. As daylight fades, the UV risk decreases to a safe 1 at 18:00 before finally retiring to 0 by 19:00. Stay sun-smart!
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 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels experience significant fluctuations, particularly peaking during the summer months. The highest UV Index is observed in August with a value of 15 (extreme exposure), making it a high-risk month for sunburns, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. The months of February to October also present extreme conditions, with UV Index values consistently between 12 and 14, where exposure duration is critical at just 10 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of November and December see a decrease in UV levels to 10 and 9, categorized as very high, allowing for slightly longer exposure times. Visitors and residents should take precautions during the high-risk months, particularly from February to October, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and limiting outdoor activities during peak sun hours to avoid harmful effects associated with excessive UV 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 |
Mae Sot | 10 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
Chon Buri UVI | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |