Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Cao Thuong, Vietnam, where the tropical Cwa climate brings both beautiful sunshine and significant UV exposure risks. With peak UV levels reaching a high of 13 around noon, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. By staying informed about daily UV fluctuations, you can make safer outdoor choices, ensuring that your time in the sun remains enjoyable and protective. Whether you’re soaking up the warmth or enjoying outdoor activities, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is vital for your well-being in this sun-kissed region.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM, making it a gentle beginning to the day. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 4, hinting at the need for a bit of sun protection. The intensity reaches its peak between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, soaring to a high of 13. This powerful midday sun calls for extra caution as the UV index hovers at this level for two consecutive hours before gradually tapering off. By 3:00 PM, the UV Index drops to 5 and continues to decline, hitting 1 by 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV levels ease to 0 by 7:00 PM, wrapping up the day with a low-risk, sun-safe atmosphere. Enjoy the bright moments, but don’t forget your sunscreen during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with January and February marking the start of very high UV levels (8 and 10, respectively) and a burn time of just 15 minutes. As we progress into March and April, the index escalates to an extreme level of 12, with a reduced burn time of 10 minutes, highlighting a critical time for sun safety. The peak risk months span from May to October, where the index reaches a sustained high of 13, continuing to warrant just 10 minutes of unprotected exposure before burn occurs. The UV levels begin to decline in November with a UV Index of 9, still classified as very high, before tapering off to a high of 7 in December with a burn time of 25 minutes. To ensure safety, it is essential for visitors and residents to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and seek shade during peak hours, especially from March to October when UV exposure is most intense.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi UVI | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 7 |
| Haiphong UVI | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 7 |
| Cao Thuong | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 7 |
| Da Nang UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Ho Chi Minh City UVI | 10 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Bien Hoa UVI | 10 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |