Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Hongyazi, China, where exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays can vary significantly throughout the day. With the region's BWk climate, the sun's intensity can peak around midday, leading to a UV Index of 12—indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being aware of these levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. Familiarizing yourself with these UV readings not only helps safeguard your skin but ensures you can enjoy outdoor activities safely while minimizing the risks associated with high UV exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off modestly at 1 by 07:00. However, by 08:00, it doubles to 2, slowly building up as we approach midday. The real intensity hits by 12:00, with the index climbing to a peak of 12, marking the hour of highest sun exposure. It reaches an even greater height at 13:00 with a remarkable 13, urging us to seek shade or apply sunscreen. The index begins to decline after this peak, dropping to 10 by 15:00, and steadily decreases to 5 by 17:00 before tapering off to a gentle 3 as we approach evening. As the sun sets, the UV rays lessen, falling back to 1 by 19:00, signaling a safe end to the day’s sun exposure. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, affecting the risk of sunburn for visitors and residents. The months of March through August represent the highest risk for UV exposure, with peak indices of 13 in June and July, categorized as extreme, where burn times can be as short as 10 minutes. Particularly, April and May also reach extreme levels, urging caution during outdoor activities. Conversely, January and December are the safest months with lower UV indices of 3, allowing for longer burn times of up to 30 minutes. For optimal sun safety, individuals should prioritize sun protection during high-risk months—especially from March to August—by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when necessary.
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 |
| Hongyazi | 3 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 3 |
| 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 |