Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Heping, China, where the subtropical Cfa climate offers both warm sunshine and potential UV exposure risks. Knowledge of UV levels helps in sunburn prevention and promotes long-term skin health, which is crucial amid peak UV times, especially when the index reaches as high as 13 during midday. As Heping experiences varying UV intensity throughout the day, with the most dangerous levels peaking around 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, being aware of these fluctuations can ensure better protection against harmful rays while enjoying the vibrant outdoor lifestyle the region has to offer.
As the sun rises and warms the day, the UV Index begins its ascent. At 7:00 AM, it starts at a mild 1, making it a safe time to be outdoors. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 3, suggesting increased caution. The intensity peaks sharply at 10:00 AM with a striking 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The day reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM with an intense 13, where protective measures are essential. The UV levels begin to taper off after 1:00 PM, dropping to 10 by 2:00 PM, then gradually decreasing to 4 by 4:00 PM. As sunset approaches, the UV Index continues to decline, falling to 1 by 6:00 PM and finally hitting 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling the end of a day marked by a significant solar influence. Remember, staying protected during peak hours is key for your skin health!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | 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 |