Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Changchun, China, where sunny days can pose significant risks to skin health. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 12 around midday, awareness of these levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. Changchun's humid continental climate can lead to unexpected UV exposure risks, even on seemingly overcast days. By staying informed about the UV Index and taking proactive measures, you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.
As the sun ascends, the UV Index rises dramatically. At 07:00, it starts at a gentle 2, offering a safe environment for morning activities. By 08:00, it climbs to 4, signaling the need for some sun protection. The intensity peaks at 10:00 with a striking 10, reaching its maximum at 11:00 and 12:00 with a peak UV Index of 12—definitely time to seek shade or lather on the sunscreen! As the afternoon progresses, intensity begins to wane, dropping to 9 by 14:00, then 6 at 15:00. The sun retreats, and by 17:00, we see a much softer 2, transitioning to a cozy 1 at 18:00 and finally settling at a safe 0 by 19:00. Overall, this UV Index profile underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking during the summer months. From January to March, UV levels gradually increase, with February and March categorized as very high, indicating a burn time of just 15 minutes. The UV Index reaches its highest point in April through September, with values peaking at 13 in June and 12 in July and August, all in the extreme category, where even brief sun exposure can lead to burns in just 10 minutes. As fall approaches, numbers begin to decline, but October and November still present very high risk levels, with burn times of 15 minutes. December and January offer a reprieve with high UV levels (10–6), allowing for 25 minutes of exposure. Visitors and residents should take precautions, particularly from April through September, ensuring proper sun protection including sunscreen, clothing, and shade, especially during the peak hours around midday.
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 |
| Changchun | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 |
| 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 |