UV Index in Sa Pa, Vietnam

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In the picturesque mountain town of Sa Pa, Vietnam, awareness of the UV Index is vital for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With altitude and a subtropical climate, this region faces unique UV exposure risks, especially during peak hours. Understanding the UV levels—ranging from a manageable 2 in the morning to a striking 15 at noon—can help both locals and travelers protect their skin from harmful rays. Whether you're trekking through lush landscapes or simply enjoying the stunning views, staying informed about UV levels is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience in Sa Pa.

Hourly UV Index in Sa Pa

The UV Index data presents a dynamic picture of sun exposure throughout the day, peaking at 15 around noon. Early morning hours start with a gentle 2 at 7:00 AM and climb steadily, reaching a moderate 4 by 8:00 AM. The intensity surges as the day progresses, hitting 11 by 10:00 AM and spiking to a maximum of 13 at 11:00 AM. Just when you think it can't get any stronger, the UV Index flashes to a blistering 15 at 12:00 PM, before gradually tapering off after 1:00 PM, with values decreasing to 4 by 4:00 PM and dwindling to 1 by 6:00 PM. In the evening, the UV Index sinks to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe time to step outside without sun protection. 🌞

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	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	15	extreme	10 min
13:00	14	extreme	10 min
14:00	11	extreme	10 min
15:00	7	high	25 min
16:00	4	moderate	30 min
17:00	2	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