Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Son Tra, Vietnam, where the sun shines brightly in its tropical climate. With the UV levels often peaking at an intense 14 during midday, awareness of these numbers can help prevent skin damage and sunburn, ensuring better skin health for everyone. As you spend time outdoors in this beautiful coastal area, recognizing the risks associated with elevated UV exposure is essential for enjoying the sun safely. Whether you're hiking the local trails or relaxing on the beach, keeping an eye on the UV Index can make all the difference in protecting your skin from harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 2 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it ramps up to 4, signaling the need for light sun protection. The real intensity kicks in around 9:00 AM, peaking at a robust 11 between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, when it reaches its highest point of 14. During these hours, it’s essential to find shade and apply sunscreen to shield yourself from harmful rays. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 12 at 1:00 PM before easing to 6 by 3:00 PM, and finally dipping to a low of 1 by 5:00 PM, signaling a retreat from the sun as daylight fades. This data emphasizes the importance of midday sun safety, ensuring maximum protection during the peak UV exposure.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations throughout the year, with peak levels occurring from February to October. This period features extreme exposure categories, particularly from March through October, where the UV Index remains at 12 or higher, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. High-risk months include February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October, all of which pose increased risk for skin damage. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during these months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize UV exposure and protect their skin health. As the year progresses, levels decrease in November and December, returning to a very high exposure category, reminding individuals to stay vigilant even during the cooler months.
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 |
| Son Tra | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| 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 |