Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Gucheng, China, particularly in its BWk climate zone, where sunny days are common. The UV levels can vary significantly throughout the day, peaking at an impressive 11 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, highlighting the importance of awareness to prevent sunburn and protect skin health. By keeping an eye on these UV levels, you can make informed decisions about sun safety, ensuring that enjoyment of Gucheng's beautiful outdoors doesn't come at the expense of your skin's well-being. With increased UV exposure risks, especially during the peak hours, staying educated is your best defense against harmful effects.
As the sun rises and the day unfolds, the UV Index reveals a dramatic increase in solar intensity. At 07:00, it starts off mild with a UVI of 1, but by 08:00, it more than doubles to 2. The ascent continues, peaking at 12:00 with a striking UVI of 10, indicating a strong risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Peak hours arrive at 13:00 and 14:00, where it hits an impressive 11—the highest point of the day—before gradually tapering off. As the afternoon wanes, the index drops to 5 by 17:00 and back down to a safer 1 by 19:00. It's a perfect reminder to stay protected from those mid-day rays when UV levels are at their highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The seasonal UV changes demonstrate a notable increase in UV Index values from January through August, peaking at 11 during the summer months of May, June, July, and August, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. High-risk months include April to August, where burn times decrease significantly, dropping to as little as 10 minutes in the most intense months. As a result, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during these periods, such as wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and donning protective clothing. Conversely, fall and winter months see a decrease in UV exposure, with January and December marked as low risk, promoting longer burn times of 30 to 45 minutes. Awareness of these variations can help individuals protect themselves effectively year-round.
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 |
| Gucheng | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 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 |
| Shenzhen UVI | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |