Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Xiongjia, China, where the sun’s intensity can pose significant risks to skin health. With the region's Cwa climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, aware residents can protect themselves from harmful UV radiation that peaks around midday. By staying informed about the UV levels throughout the day, especially when they reach high levels of 11 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, individuals can take essential precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage. Prioritizing UV awareness not only helps in enjoying the outdoors safely but also plays a vital role in maintaining overall skin health in a climate where exposure risks are ever-present.
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 exposure levels fluctuate notably, with high-risk months primarily from March to September, where values are categorized as very high to extreme. Specifically, May and June see the peak UV Index of 12, resulting in a burn time of only 10 minutes. March and April also present serious risks with UV indexes reaching 8 and 10, respectively. As a result, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take protective measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen with high SPF, donning protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun's rays are strongest. Conversely, January, November, and December offer moderate to high exposure levels, allowing for more manageable sun exposure when precautions are taken.
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 |
| Xiongjia | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 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 |