Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Guicheng, China, where the subtropical climate leads to significant sun exposure. With UV levels peaking between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. On particularly sunny days, the UV Index can reach levels as high as 13, indicating an increased risk of harm, making awareness and protection more important than ever. Knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can significantly enhance your outdoor experience while keeping your skin safe in Guicheng's bright conditions.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts its slow climb, peaking at 13 between noon and 1 PM, signaling extreme UV exposure. The day begins gently at 7 AM with a minimal index of 1, but by 10 AM, it reaches 9, urging sun-sensitive individuals to seek protection. The highest reading of 13 persists for two hours, making midday the most critical time for sun safety. As the afternoon rolls in, the index gradually decreases, dipping to 7 by 3 PM, and further waning into the evening with values of 4 at 4 PM, 2 at 5 PM, and falling to a comfortable 1 by 6 PM. Finally, the UV Index settles at 0 after sunset, marking the end of a sun-drenched day.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk throughout the year. January and December feature a high UV Index of 7, with a burn time of 25 minutes, while February sees an increase to 9 (very high, 15 min). The risk of UV exposure peaks in the spring and summer months, with March to August experiencing an extreme UV Index ranging from 11 to 13, corresponding to a dangerous 10-minute burn time. September sees a slight decrease to 11 (extreme), followed by October and November, where UV levels drop to 9 and 10 (very high) respectively. Given these trends, it's crucial for visitors and residents to exercise caution during the high-risk months of March through August by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| Guicheng | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 |
| 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 |