Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Lanzhou, China, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. The UV Index provides essential information about the sun’s intensity, helping residents and visitors alike take preventive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Lanzhou's BSk climate, characterized by hot summers and a higher risk of UV exposure, awareness of daily UV levels is vital. For instance, during peak hours, the UV Index can soar to an alarming 12, signifying extreme exposure risks. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny days while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index (UVI) steadily climbs, beginning with a safe level of 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches 4, signaling a stronger need for sun protection. The peak intensity occurs between 12:00 and 13:00, where the UVI hits an alarming 12, illustrating the importance of taking precautions during these hours. As the afternoon wanes, values start to recede, dropping to 9 at 15:00 and further declining to 2 by 18:00. Wrap up your outdoor activities as the sun dips below the horizon, as the UVI falls back to 1 by 19:00. Always remember to stay safe under the sun, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes reveal fluctuating levels of sun exposure, with the months of May through August marked by extreme UV Index values of 10 or higher, posing the highest risk for sunburn and skin damage. March and April also see a rise to very high levels (8-10), indicating a significant increase in UV radiation as spring progresses. The high-risk months are therefore clearly identified as May to August, where a UV Index of 12 remains consistent, equating to a burn time of just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during these months, including wearing sunscreen with high SPF, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible, particularly during midday hours when the sun's rays are strongest. During the lower UV months—from November to February—while the exposure is moderate, it’s still recommended to practice sun safety, especially on bright, clear days.
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 |
| Lanzhou | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 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 |