Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Zhongshan, China, is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's climate characterized as Dwb (humid subtropical), residents and visitors alike face varying UV exposure risks that can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. By monitoring the UV levels throughout the day—where peak hours show indices soaring to 12—you can take necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful sunshine without compromising your skin health. Stay informed, stay protected, and embrace the sun wisely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it peaks at 5, signaling a shift toward more intense sunlight. The intensity reaches its zenith at 12:00, hitting 12—a level that calls for cautious outdoor activities. As the afternoon wanes, the index remains high, registering 12 again at 13:00, before dipping slightly to 11 by 14:00. The intensity gradually decreases as the day progresses; by 15:00, it drops to 8, and further to 6 by 16:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index returns to safer levels, landing at 3 by 17:00, and finishing the day at a minimal 1 by 19:00. Stay sun-savvy and protect yourself during those 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
As the seasons change, so too do the UV levels, significantly impacting both visitors and residents. January starts with a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes, but by February, the risk escalates to a high UV Index of 6, reducing burn time to 25 minutes. The real concern arises from March through September, where the UV Index reaches very high and extreme levels, peaking at 13 in June. During this critical period, recommended burn times drop to as little as 10 minutes. Particularly, the months of May to September are classified as high-risk, necessitating precautionary measures such as sunscreen, protective clothing, and limited sun exposure, especially during peak hours. As autumn approaches, the UV levels decrease, with October reflecting a very high index of 8 before returning to moderate levels by November and December. Residents and visitors should remain vigilant and adapt their sun protection strategies accordingly throughout the year, especially during summer months.
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 |
| Zhongshan | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 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 |