Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Umphang, Thailand, where the tropical climate challenges skin health with significant UV exposure. With peak UV levels soaring to 15 around noon, awareness of these readings is vital to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. As an Aw climate zone, Umphang experiences intense sunlight, making it essential to protect yourself during the peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM. Keeping an eye on the UV Index not only helps you enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely but also supports overall skin wellness in this sunny paradise.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index soars, first reaching 3 by 8:00 AM, but it's by 10:00 AM that it really peaks at 9, indicating a strong need for sun protection. The highest intensity occurs at 12:00 PM with a notable 15, prompting caution for those enjoying outdoor activities. From 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the index remains high, fluctuating between 14 and 12, before gradually tapering off through the afternoon into the evening. By 7:00 PM, the index drops sharply to 1, and as dusk settles, it hits 0 at 8:00 PM, highlighting a dramatic decline in UV exposure as the sun sets. Remember, during the hours of peak intensity, it's vital to shield your skin to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 15 | 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 exhibit notable fluctuations, with the highest readings occurring during the spring and summer months. From February to October, the UV Index remains in the extreme category, peaking at 15 in both May and July. March through October are identified as high-risk months, during which the burn time is as short as 10 minutes, emphasizing the need for effective sun protection strategies. Visitors and residents should be especially vigilant during these months; it’s advisable to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly to mitigate the risk of UV-related skin damage. As the year progresses into November and December, UV levels decrease to very high and high categories, with burn times extending to 15 minutes, allowing for slightly reduced caution but still necessitating sun safety measures.
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 |
| Umphang | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |