Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for everyone living in or visiting Xiandu, China. This vital tool helps gauge the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, enabling residents and tourists alike to take necessary precautions against harmful sun exposure. High UV levels can lead to sunburn, accelerate skin aging, and increase the risk of skin cancers, making awareness crucial for maintaining healthy skin. With Xiandu's Cfa climate characterized by warm summers and ample sunshine, UV exposure can reach concerning levels. For instance, during peak hours, the UV Index can soar to 13, underscoring the importance of monitoring UV levels to stay protected while enjoying the outdoors.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, starting at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it sharply increases to 4, setting the stage for the day's peak. The intensity hits its zenith at 12:00 PM, soaring to 13—a potent reminder to take sun safety precautions. As the afternoon unfolds, the UV levels begin to wane, dipping to 9 by 2:00 PM and further declining to 6 by 3:00 PM. The evening brings a gentle decline, with the index falling to 2 by 5:00 PM and tapering off to 0 by 7:00 PM. This dynamic pattern emphasizes the importance of sun protection, particularly during the midday hours when the UV rays are 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 | 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 |
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 |
| Xiandu | 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 |