Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Hexi, China is essential for protecting yourself from harmful ultraviolet radiation that can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. As the region experiences a Cfa climate with warm summers and mild winters, residents and visitors alike must remain vigilant about UV levels, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to a high of 13 around 1 PM. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can better safeguard your skin health and enjoy outdoor activities without the risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
The UV Index undergoes a notable progression throughout the day, beginning at a gentle 1 at 07:00, before gradually rising to a moderate 2 by 08:00. As the sun ascends, the index climbs sharply, peaking at a dizzying 13 around 13:00—a clear indication that sun protection is essential during these hours. From this pinnacle, the UV Index begins its descent, tapering off to a 9 at 15:00 and finally dwindling to 1 by the evening hours of 18:00 and 19:00. With this data in mind, it's crucial to enjoy the outdoors safely, particularly between 11:00 and 14:00, when the sun's rays are at their most intense.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels vary significantly, peaking during the summer months. January starts with a high UV Index of 6, with a burn time of 25 minutes, but by February and March, it escalates to 8 and 9, respectively, both categorized as very high, and reducing burn time to 15 minutes. As we transition into April and May, the UV Index hits an extreme level of 12, where the burn time shortens to just 10 minutes. This extreme level continues through July and August, maintaining a UV Index of 13. September sees a slight decline to 11 but remains in the extreme category, while October returns to very high at 10. November and December finally give a reprieve with lower indices of 7 and 5, respectively. Therefore, the high-risk months for sun exposure are from April to September, where the UV Index is at its highest, urging visitors and residents to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours for safety.
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 |
| Hexi | 6 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| 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 |