Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Hekou, China, where the unique highland climate can lead to significantly elevated UV levels, especially during the midday hours. With peak UV Index values soaring to 13, awareness and protection are essential to prevent sunburn and promote long-term skin health. By monitoring UV levels, you can safely enjoy outdoor activities while safeguarding your skin from potential harm. Given Hekou's climate, characterized by Cwb (temperate highland) conditions, being informed about UV exposure is vital in navigating the risks of sun exposure throughout the day.
The UVI hourly data tells an intriguing story of sun exposure throughout the day. Starting with a gentle UV Index of 1 at 7:00 AM, the intensity gradually climbs, reaching 5 by 9:00 AM. As the clock approaches 11:00 AM, the UV Index peeks at a striking 10, but the real heat hits at 12:00 PM with a blistering 12. The sun reaches its zenith at 1:00 PM, displaying a formidable 13. After that, the UV intensity begins to wane, yet still remains significant until about 3:00 PM when it drops to 9. By late afternoon, the index falls toward a safe 4 at 5:00 PM, finally settling back down to a mild 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s a day that reminds us to embrace the sunshine but remain mindful of its powerful rays during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV index levels, significantly impacting exposure risks for residents and visitors. January begins with a moderate UV Index of 5, increasing to a high of 7 in February. March escalates to a very high level of 8, but the most critical months for UV exposure are from April to September, where the index reaches an alarming 12 to 13, indicating extreme risk with burn times as short as 10 minutes. October sees a drop to 8, still classified as very high, before tapering off to 6 in November and 4 in December, transitioning back to moderate exposure levels. During the high-risk months, especially from April to September, it is crucial to take protective measures such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize skin damage. Stay safe and shield yourself from the sun’s strong rays!
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 |
| Hekou | 5 | 7 | 8 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 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 |