Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Phong Dien, Vietnam, where the tropical climate can lead to high levels of sun exposure. Keeping track of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, particularly during the peak afternoon hours when the index escalates to dangerous levels—reaching a maximum of 14 around noon. With UV rays peaking between 10 AM and 2 PM, awareness of these fluctuations is key to safeguarding yourself against potential skin damage and enjoying the abundant sunshine in this vibrant region.
The UV Index for the day showcases a dynamic rise and fall, peaking in the early afternoon. From a gentle 2 at 7:00 AM, the index escalates to 11 by 10:00 AM, reaching its zenith of 14 at 12:00 PM. This is the point to be cautious; between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM with values of 13 and 12 respectively, the midday sun is at its strongest. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index declines, dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM, and continuing to diminish to 6 by 3:00 PM. The evening brings a welcome relief, with readings falling to 1 by both 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and finally settling at 0 as the day fades into night. Be sure to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variation, peaking in the spring and summer months. January starts with a UV Index of 10 (very high), which increases sharply to 12 in February and reaches an extreme 14 by March. The highest levels occur from April to September, maintaining an extreme 14 throughout, with the UV Index only dipping slightly to 13 in September. October also remains in the extreme category at 12, before dropping back to very high levels of 10 in November and 9 in December. Given these values, the high-risk months for sun exposure are from March to October, and it is crucial for visitors and residents to take proactive measures during these times—limiting sun exposure to no more than 10 minutes during peak hours, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to avoid harmful UV effects.
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 |
| Phong Dien | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 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 |