Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Sam Ngao, Thailand, where the sun can be particularly intense. With a tropical climate that features high solar exposure, knowing the UV levels helps you effectively prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. During peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, UV levels can soar to a staggering 14, presenting significant risks for unprotected skin. By staying informed about daily UV Index readings, you can enjoy the beautiful sun-filled days while minimizing the harmful effects of UV radiation.
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 |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, with the highest values occurring from April through September, when the index reaches extreme levels between 13 and 15. Notably, August records the peak UV Index at 15, indicating an extreme risk for sunburn with a burn time of just 10 minutes. As a result, February to October marks the months of greatest concern, particularly for those spending time outdoors. Visitors and residents should take essential precautions during these high-risk months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to reduce the risk of UV-related health issues. In contrast, January, November, and December still present a risk with very high levels but allow for slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Always stay vigilant about UV exposure year-round!
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 |
| Sam Ngao | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
| Chon Buri UVI | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |