Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Heping, China, especially given its warm Cfa climate that often exposes individuals to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day. Awareness of UV levels is vital for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health, as higher UV readings can significantly increase the risk of harm. For instance, during peak hours, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV Index can soar to dangerous heights, reaching up to 13—a clear reminder for everyone to take necessary precautions against potential skin damage and long-term health risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
The UV Index today presents a compelling story of rising sun intensity. Starting the day at a modest 2 by 7:00 AM, the levels climb steadily, peaking at a striking 13 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM—a reminder to stay protected! As the afternoon sun begins to wane, the UV Index drops to 10 by 2:00 PM before sliding down to 7 at 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the index reduces significantly to 4 at 4:00 PM, and continues to fall, reaching 1 by 6:00 PM and finally settling at 0 after sunset at 7:00 PM. Remember to take precautions during the peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, when the sun is at its strongest!
| 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 | 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 experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest values occurring from March to September, when the index reaches an extreme level of 12 to 13. Notably, February marks the transition into high UV levels, and April through August are particularly high-risk months, with a burn time as short as 10 minutes during this period. As summer approaches, residents and visitors should be vigilant and prioritize sun protection strategies, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and UV-protective clothing, to minimize the risk of skin damage. In contrast, January, October, November, and December see a decrease in the UV Index, categorized as either high or very high, allowing for longer safe exposure times—up to 25 minutes in January and December. It is essential to remain aware of changing UV levels, particularly during these peak months, to ensure health and safety in sunlight.
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 |
| Heping | 7 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Shenzhen UVI | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |