Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Guanqiao, China, especially given the region's humid subtropical climate. With peak UV levels reaching a dangerous 13 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. By monitoring UV exposure, you can safeguard your skin against the harmful effects of the sun, ensuring more enjoyable outdoor activities in this vibrant locale. Stay informed and protect yourself from the sun's intensity, particularly during the summer months when Guanqiao's UV index can pose significant risks.
The UV Index climbs steadily throughout the morning, starting at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, it peaks at an intense 13 by 12:00 PM, highlighting the critical need for sun protection during midday hours. The afternoon sees a gradual decrease, dropping to 7 by 3:00 PM, before tapering off to a safe 0 by 7:00 PM. It's clear that from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, when the index reaches its maximum, spending time in the shade and applying sunscreen should be top priorities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the day safely while minimizing sun exposure.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. January starts with a high exposure category (UV Index 7) and a burn time of 25 minutes, but by February, the index rises to 9, indicating very high risk with a reduced burn time of 15 minutes. The spring months, particularly March and April, see the index escalate to 12 (extreme risk), where burn times drop to 10 minutes. This trend continues into the summer, with May through August maintaining an extreme index of 13. September witnesses a slight decrease to 12 before dropping to 10 in October (very high), with November at 8 (very high) and December returning to 7 (high) with longer burn times of 25 minutes. Notably, the high-risk months are from February to September, when the UV exposure is particularly intense. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of overexposure.
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 |
| Guangzhou UVI | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Guanqiao | 7 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Shenzhen UVI | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |