Last updated: July 2, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index in Ho Chi Minh City is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding the daily UV levels can help you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a tropical Aw climate, Ho Chi Minh City experiences high UV exposure, particularly around midday when the index peaks at a blistering 13. By being aware of these UV risks and adjusting your outdoor activities accordingly, you can enjoy the vibrant streets of this bustling city while keeping your skin healthy and protected.
The UV Index fluctuates significantly throughout the day, peaking at 13 during the late morning and early afternoon hours. Starting out gently at 1 at 07:00, the index rises steadily, reaching 4 by 08:00, and then surging to a striking 10 by 10:00. The sun’s intensity continues to climb, hitting its maximum values of 13 at both 11:00 and 12:00. As the day progresses, the UV levels begin to taper off, dropping to 12 at 13:00, and then rolling down to 9 by 14:00. In the afternoon, the index decreases further, settling at 5 at 15:00 before dwindling to 3 at 16:00. The evening sees a sharp decline, with values falling back to 1 by 17:00 and then retreating to 0 after sunset. This hourly data underscores the importance of sun protection during peak UV times, especially from late morning to early afternoon.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | 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 | 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 fluctuations, with notably high levels during the winter and spring months. January and December demonstrate a very high UV Index of 10, with a burn time of 15 minutes. However, February through November are classified as extreme exposure months, peaking at 15 in March and maintaining an index of 13-14 from February to August. The high-risk months include February to August, where a burn time drops to just 10 minutes across the board. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these peak months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade when outdoors to minimize the risk of UV-related harm.
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 |
| Da Nang UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Ho Chi Minh City | 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 |