Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Chengdong, China, where sunlight intensity can vary significantly throughout the day. With high UV levels peaking at 11 from late morning to early afternoon, it's essential to recognize how these levels impact your skin health and sunburn risk. Chengdong's Cwa climate, characterized by hot summers and chilly winters, means that UV exposure can be particularly fierce during the warmer months. Being aware of the daily UV readings allows you to take proactive measures to protect yourself, ensuring safe enjoyment of the outdoors while maintaining your skin's well-being.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 and gradually rises as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 4, signaling a good time to enjoy some outdoor activities while still being cautious. However, between 11:00 and 13:00, the UV Index peaks dramatically at 10 and 11, marking the hours of highest intensity when sun safety measures are crucial. As the afternoon progresses, it slowly declines to 8 at 15:00, offering a bit of relief before dropping further to 3 by 17:00. As daylight wanes, the UV Index returns to a low 1 by 19:00, making it safe to enjoy the evening outdoors without concern for UV exposure.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations that highlight the importance of sun safety, particularly during the high-risk months from March to September. During this period, the UV Index reaches its peak, with values of 8 to 12, categorizing exposure levels as very high to extreme. The most critical months are May, June, July, and August, where the burn time drops to just 10 minutes, necessitating vigilant sun protection. As winter approaches, the UV Index decreases to moderate levels in January and December, reflecting a safer environment for outdoor activities. Visitors and residents should be advised to take precautions during peak UV times, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Shanghai UVI | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Chengdong | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 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 |