Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Kim Bai, Vietnam, where the tropical Cwa climate can lead to significant sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With midday UV indexes peaking at an intense 13, understanding the risks associated with these levels helps everyone take proactive measures to protect their skin. Whether you're exploring the beautiful landscapes or soaking up the sun, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is key to enjoying the great outdoors safely in Kim Bai.
As dawn breaks, the UV Index begins its journey, starting at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it steadily climbs to 4, signaling the approach of stronger rays. The sun reaches its peak intensity at noon, soaring to a remarkable 13. From 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the index remains alarmingly high, maxing out at 12 and then gradually declining in the afternoon. By 3:00 PM, it drops to 6 and continues to wane, arriving at a gentle 1 by 5:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index falls to zero by 7:00 PM, presenting a safe reprieve from the sun's rays. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours when the sun's strength is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 | 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 |
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 |
| Kim Bai | 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 |