Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Bac Ha, Vietnam, where the high-altitude climate brings unique sun exposure risks. With UV levels peaking at 13 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, awareness of these fluctuations can help prevent sunburns and promote better skin health. By tracking the UV Index throughout the day, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself from harmful rays, ensuring your time outdoors remains enjoyable and safe.
The UV Index today offers a dynamic spectrum of sun intensity throughout the day. Starting off mild at 7:00 AM with a value of 2, the index climbs steadily as the sun ascends, peaking at a striking 13 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. During these hours, it’s crucial to seek shade or apply sunscreen to protect your skin. The intensity then wanes from the early afternoon, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM, and gradually dissipating to a calm 1 by 5:00 PM, where it hangs until sunset. Clearly, planning outdoor activities around the midday peak can help you enjoy the sunshine while staying safe!
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 | 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 | 10 | 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 |
During the year, UV levels show distinct seasonal changes, with the highest UV Index typically occurring from March to October. Particularly, May and July peak at a UV Index of 14, categorizing them as extreme, alongside June and August at 13. Residents and visitors should be especially cautious during these months, as the burn time drops to just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. In contrast, January and February also present very high levels with an index of 8 and 10 respectively, maintaining a burn time of 15 minutes. As one moves into the late fall and winter, UV levels decrease; however, November remains a high-risk month with an index of 9. To protect against skin damage, it is crucial to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, particularly during the high-risk months of March to October.
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 |
Bac Ha | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 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 |