SunticUV index in Phuket today
Phuket is a tropical island a few degrees north of the equator, with strong sun and high UV throughout the year. The only accurate figure is a live one for your exact spot: Suntic shows Phuket's real-time UV index and a 10-day forecast.
Sun and UV in Phuket
On Thailand's Andaman coast at a low tropical latitude, Phuket gets intense sun and very high to extreme midday UV across every season. The monsoon brings heavier cloud and rain from around May to October, but sunny spells still deliver strong UV, and the dry season is relentlessly bright. The sea and white-sand beaches add reflected UV for anyone in or near the water.
When is UV highest in Phuket?
UV is highest around solar noon (broadly 10am to 4pm) and strongest across almost the entire year. The exact peak shifts with the season and the day's weather. For more on this, see when is the sun strongest.
The UV index scale
| UV index | Risk level | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | Low | Minimal risk. Safe to be outside; sunglasses on bright days. |
| 3-5 | Moderate | Take care at midday. Use SPF 30+, a hat and shade around noon. |
| 6-7 | High | Protection needed. SPF 30+, cover up, seek shade 10am-4pm. |
| 8-10 | Very high | Extra protection. Avoid the sun at midday; SPF, clothing and shade are essential. |
| 11+ | Extreme | Take all precautions. Unprotected skin can burn quickly; stay inside or fully covered at peak hours. |
UV index categories follow the World Health Organization / US EPA scale.
Staying sun-safe in Phuket
- White sand and clear water reflect UV, so beach and boat days raise your exposure beyond the index alone.
- Even in the green (monsoon) season, sunny breaks bring strong UV between the showers.
- Reapply sunscreen after every swim, and reef-safe formulas protect the local marine life too.
Wherever you are, the basics hold: use broad-spectrum SPF 30+, seek shade around midday, cover up, and never let your skin burn. See our sunburn prevention tips.
See Phuket's live UV index
Suntic turns the live UV index into personal safe-sun times, sunscreen reminders and vitamin D tracking on your iPhone.
