Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential in Jiayuguan, China, where the arid climate (BWk) leads to intense solar radiation. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a critical role in maintaining long-term skin health. With maximum UV indices peaking at 12 during midday, residents and visitors alike must stay vigilant about sun exposure. Knowing when to seek shade or don protective clothing can make all the difference in protecting your skin against potential damage. Whether you’re exploring the scenic landscapes or engaging in outdoor activities, staying informed about UV levels is key to enjoying the sun safely.
The UV Index for today reveals a dramatic rise in intensity as the day unfolds. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, it slowly climbs to 2 by 8:00 AM, before escalating to 6 by 10:00 AM. The peak intensity hits a striking 12 at both 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, signaling the highest risk for UV exposure. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually declines, dropping to 10 by 3:00 PM, and further decreasing to 5 at 5:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, the UV Index retreats back to a safe 1, marking the end of a sun-drenched day. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal fluctuations, affecting burn times and exposure categories. From March to August, UV levels peak, reaching extreme levels of 12, particularly in May, June, and July, where the burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. April also presents very high risk with an index of 10, while March starts the high-risk period at 8. As summer ends in September, the index decreases to 9 (very high), followed by a gradual decline through October (6 - high) and into the cooler months of November and December (moderate levels of 4 and 3, respectively). Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during the high-risk months of March through September, particularly during midday hours, by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Jiayuguan | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |