Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Xiadu, China, where the climate falls within the Cfa zone, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. The UV levels can soar, particularly around midday, reaching a peak of 11 at noon, which signifies a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Awareness of these UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful sunny days while protecting yourself from the potentially damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. As you go about your day in Xiadu, staying informed about the UV Index not only helps to keep your skin safe but also enhances your overall outdoor experience.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 2 by 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 3 by 8:00 AM. The intensity peaks dramatically by 12:00 PM, reaching an impressive 11, signaling the height of midday sun. For the next hour, the index remains robust at 10, but begins to taper off thereafter. The numbers drop to 8 at 2:00 PM, then decline further to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the day transitions toward evening, the UV levels fall to 3 at 4:00 PM, then gently descend to 1 by 5:00 PM, finally tapering off to 0 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of sun safety during the peak hours between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when protective measures are crucial!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 seasonal UV changes indicate a significant increase in UV exposure as the year progresses, with high-risk months being from March to October, where the UV Index reaches as high as 11 (extreme). Specifically, May to August poses the greatest risk, with a burn time of just 10 minutes in direct sunlight. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautionary measures during these months, including wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen to mitigate harmful effects. As the UV Index begins to decline in September, it remains important to stay vigilant until it drops to more moderate levels by December, when the burn time increases to 30 minutes again.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Chengdu UVI | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Xiadu | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Shanghai UVI | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Guangzhou UVI | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Shenzhen UVI | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |