Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Zhongdong, China is crucial for promoting skin health and preventing sunburn. As residents and visitors bask in the region's dry, continental climate, awareness of UV levels becomes essential, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to 11. This small but mighty number reflects the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, which can lead to significant skin damage if precautions aren’t taken. With the sun's rays strongest around midday, being mindful of the UV Index can help you enjoy Zhongdong’s sunny days while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, peaking during the summer months. Notably, March marks the transition to higher UV levels with an index of 7 (high), while April escalates to 9 (very high). From May to August, the UV Index reaches its peak at 11 (extreme), indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time as short as 10 minutes. September and October see a slight decrease, but the index remains notable at 9 and 6 respectively. For high-risk months—specifically May through August—it is imperative for visitors and residents to take protective measures, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sunlight hours. During the winter months, particularly November and December, UV levels drop significantly, with indexes at 4 and 2, allowing for more prolonged sun exposure without immediate risk.
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 |
| Zhongdong | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 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 |