Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam, where the warm Cwa climate can lead to significant sun exposure. Being aware of UV levels is crucial for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining optimal skin health, especially as levels peak dramatically throughout the day—reaching a maximum of 15 at noon. With UV exposure risks higher than many might expect, especially during the sunniest hours, staying informed empowers you to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful scenery without the threat of harmful skin damage.
The UV Index shows a dramatic rise in solar intensity as the morning progresses. Starting at a mere 1 at 07:00, the index climbs steadily, reaching a peak of 15 by noon. As the sun reaches its zenith, from 11:00 to 13:00, it's crucial to take precautions against harmful UV rays, particularly when the index hits 13 and 14. However, relief comes in the afternoon as it begins to dip to 11 at 14:00, eventually dropping to 4 by 16:00 and plummeting to 0 by 19:00. This data highlights the importance of sun safety during the height of the day, especially when the UV Index is at its highest. Stay sun-smart!
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 | 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 |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal variation, with very high and extreme levels predominating from January to October. The high-risk months for UV exposure are particularly March through October, where the Index peaks at 15 in May and July, denoting an extreme exposure category with a burn time of only 10 minutes. As a result, both visitors and residents should take essential precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible, especially during midday hours. In the low-risk months of November and December, while the UV Index remains very high, the longer burn times of 15 minutes suggest slightly less risk, although caution is still advised.
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 |
Dien Bien Phu | 8 | 10 | 13 | 12 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
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 |