Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Hongwei, China, where the subtropical Cfa climate brings hot summers and significant sun exposure. Being aware of UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburn but also for protecting your skin's health in the long run. On sunny days, UV Index levels can reach a maximum of 13 around noon, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With such high UV levels typically peaking between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, it's vital for everyone to stay informed and take the necessary precautions to safeguard their skin while enjoying the outdoors.
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 | 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, peaking during the midyear months. January starts with a high exposure category (UV Index 6), offering a 25-minute burn time, which gradually escalates to extreme levels by March (UV Index 11) and remains in that category until September, where it tapers slightly to very high in October (UV Index 10). February and March represent particularly high-risk months with very high and extreme ratings, demanding extra caution. From April through August, the UV Index consistently reaches 13, necessitating just 10 minutes for potential sunburn. To ensure safety, residents and visitors should take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and seeking shade during peak hours, particularly from March to September when the risk of skin damage is at its highest. As the year progresses, it's essential to stay informed and adjust sun exposure practices accordingly.
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 |
| Hongwei | 6 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 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 |