Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Puwa, China, where high UV levels can significantly increase the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. With its Dwa climate, characterized by warm summers, it’s essential to monitor daily UV levels to safeguard your skin health. For instance, during peak hours, UV Index values can soar to 9, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the risks associated with excessive UV radiation.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a mild 2 at 07:00, gradually rising to a moderate 3 by 08:00. As the morning progresses, the intensity increases; by 09:00, it reaches 5, and peaks at a robust 9 from 11:00 to 13:00—making this the most critical time for sun exposure. Subsequently, the index begins to decline, dropping to 7 at 14:00 and tapering off to 5 by 15:00. As the afternoon transitions into evening, the UV Index steadily decreases to 3 at 16:00 and settles back to 2 by 17:00, eventually winding down to a low 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. This data serves as a reminder to stay sun-safe during the peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits distinct seasonal changes that significantly affect sun exposure and burn times. January and December feature low UV levels (Index 2), allowing for longer burn times of 45 minutes, while February and November show moderate levels (Index 4) with burn times of 30 minutes. As spring approaches, the UV Index rises sharply; by March, it reaches 6 (high exposure category), reducing burn time to 25 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure are April through September, with the highest levels recorded in July and August at 10 (very high), necessitating a rapid reduction in burn time to just 15 minutes. Following summer, October and September see a decrease in UV levels (Index 8 and 6, respectively) with moderate burn times of 25 minutes. To ensure safety when enjoying outdoor activities, visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the high-risk months of April to September by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen consistently.
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 |
| Puwa | 2 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Chengdu UVI | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 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 |