Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Houshan, China, where the climate tends to be humid subtropical (Cwa), leading to varying UV exposure throughout the year. Awareness of UV levels is essential for everyone, as it plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. During peak daylight hours, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV Index can reach alarming levels, peaking at 11—a number that signals the need for immediate protective measures. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents can enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding their skin against harmful ultraviolet rays.
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 |
Houshan | 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 |