Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Mae Sot, Thailand, a region that experiences high solar radiation throughout the year due to its Aw climate. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for safeguarding your long-term skin health. With peak UV Index values soaring to 14 between noon and early afternoon, the risks of harmful exposure are significant. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant culture or enjoying the stunning landscapes, knowing the UV Index can help you stay protected from the sun's intense rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a moderate 3 by 8:00 AM. However, by 9:00 AM, it takes a sharp leap to 6, signaling that sun protection should be considered. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00 PM, hitting a striking 14, where the sun’s rays are most potent and precautions are essential. The afternoon sees a slight decline, dropping to 11 by 2:00 PM, before further retreating to 8 at 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, the index decreases steadily, settling at 1 by 6:00 PM and fading to 0 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of staying vigilant during peak hours to protect yourself from harmful UV exposure.
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 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
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 |