UV Index in Sa Pa, Vietnam

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Sa Pa, Vietnam is essential for protecting your skin and overall health while enjoying this breathtaking region. With the potential for sunburn and long-term skin damage, being aware of the UV levels helps you make informed decisions about sun protection throughout the day. Typically characterized by a Cfa climate, Sa Pa experiences significant UV exposure, especially during midday when levels peak as high as 15. By learning to navigate these UV indices, you can embrace the beauty of Sa Pa without compromising your skin health.

Hourly UV Index in Sa Pa

As the sun climbs higher, so does the UV Index, peaking at a striking 15 at noon. Starting off the day at a mild 2 at 07:00, the index steadily rises, reaching 11 by 10:00. By 11:00, it soars to 14, highlighting the intensity of ultraviolet radiation. It's at 12:00 that the UV Index hits its highest point, urging caution for those outdoors. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines to 10 at 14:00, before dipping further to 1 by 17:00. As evening settles in, the UVI drops to 0 by 19:00, signaling that the day’s sunburn risk has passed. Stay protected during those midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	14	extreme	10 min
12:00	15	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	10	very high	15 min
15:00	7	high	25 min
16:00	4	moderate	30 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Sa Pa

The UV Index reflects significant seasonal fluctuations, with high-risk months identified from March to October, during which the index remains consistently between 13 and 15, categorizing these periods as extreme exposure. Particularly, May and July are the peak months for UV exposure, necessitating vigilant sun safety precautions with a burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, January and November present very high conditions with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to prioritize sun protection measures such as wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV radiation is at its highest. As winter approaches, UV levels decrease, but caution is still advisable in early spring and late fall.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Sa Pa, Vietnam

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Sa Pa. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Sa Pa, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Sa Pa UV Index with Other Vietnam Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Sa Pa compares to other major locations across Vietnam. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Sa Pa's solar exposure compared to other cities in Vietnam. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Sa Pa	8	10	13	13	15	14	15	14	14	12	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