Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial in Xihe, China, where the sun's rays can pose significant risks to skin health. As a resident or visitor, being aware of the UV levels throughout the day empowers you to take necessary precautions and prevent sunburn, which can lead to long-term skin damage. Xihe, situated in a climate zone characterized by hot summers and mild winters, often experiences elevated UV exposure, particularly during midday when the UV Index peaks at a striking 10. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day showed a significant rise in intensity as the sun climbed higher in the sky. It began at a modest 1 at 07:00, gradually increasing to 2 by 08:00. A noticeable surge occurred by 09:00, reaching 4, but it was from 10:00 onwards that the index hit 6 and then soared to a peak of 10 from 12:00 to 14:00. During these hours, safety precautions such as sunscreen and protective clothing are highly recommended. As the afternoon progressed, the UV Index dipped to 8 at 15:00, before declining steadily to 3 by 17:00, and finally settling back to a low 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. This data serves as a reminder of the sun's strength during peak hours, ensuring we stay protected while enjoying the beautiful weather.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, which significantly influences sun exposure risk. High-risk months for UV exposure are typically from March to August, during which the UV Index peaks at an extreme level of 11, indicating a burn time as short as 10 minutes. Specifically, April, May, July, and August mark the critical periods for intense sun exposure. As such, it’s vital for both visitors and residents to take proactive measures during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. Conversely, the winter months of December and January see a drop to moderate levels, with safer burn times of 30 minutes, providing an opportunity for outdoor activities with reduced risk. Always stay informed about current UV levels and prioritize sun safety year-round.
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 |
| Xihe | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 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 |