Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Xiangshui, China, where the sun can pose significant risks to skin health, especially during the warm months. With UV levels peaking at an alarming 11 around midday, awareness of these numbers can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Xiangshui's Cwa climate brings ample sunshine, making it essential to recognize when you're most vulnerable to harmful rays. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin!
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, UV Index values exhibit significant seasonal variations, indicating the need for increased awareness among residents and visitors. The high-risk months are from March to September, where the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels—specifically peaking at 12 in both July and August. During these months, burn times drop to just 10 minutes, highlighting the urgency for effective sun protection measures. As a guideline, individuals should use sunscreen with high SPF, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours. Conversely, the month of January starts with a moderate UV Index of 5 (burn time: 30 min), making it safer for outdoor activities, while December sees a drop to 4 with similar burn time, signaling a lower risk for sun exposure. Nevertheless, all months warrant vigilance, particularly during the warmer seasons when the sun’s intensity is at its highest.
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 |
| Xiangshui | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 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 |