Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Xianghu, China, especially as the region experiences a Cfa climate, characterized by warm summers and moderate UV exposure. Understanding the UV levels is key to preventing sunburn and maintaining healthy skin, as the intensity of ultraviolet radiation can spike dramatically throughout the day. For instance, during peak hours, the UV Index can reach a high of 13, indicating extreme risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. With this knowledge, you can take proactive steps to safeguard yourself against the sun's harmful effects while enjoying the beautiful outdoor scenery of Xianghu.
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 high-risk months typically from February through September. During this period, the UV Index reaches extreme levels (12-13) from March to August, where the recommended burn time is as little as 10 minutes. Particularly in February, the UV Index rises to 9, classified as very high, while January and December present moderate risks with indices of 7 and 6, respectively. To protect yourself from harmful UV exposure, it's crucial for visitors and residents alike to remain vigilant during these high-risk months. This includes wearing suitable sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade whenever possible, especially during midday hours when the sun's rays are strongest.
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 |
Xianghu | 7 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 6 |
Shenzhen UVI | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |