Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Shitang, China, where the Cfa climate brings warm summers and ample sunshine. Awareness of UV levels is crucial for protecting against sunburn and fostering long-term skin health. With peak UV readings soaring as high as 13 around noon, understanding these levels can mean the difference between an enjoyable day outdoors and painful sun damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your skin against the strong rays that characterize Shitang's summer months.
From the early morning hours, the UV Index steadily rises, beginning at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, it reaches 3 by 8:00 AM before surging to 6 at 9:00 AM. The peak occurs between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, with an intense UV Index of 12 at 11:00 AM and a maximum of 13 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index starts to decline, dropping to 11 at 2:00 PM, then to 8 by 3:00 PM, and further down to 5 at 4:00 PM. Finally, as the sun sets, the risk decreases significantly, ending the day at 1 by 6:00 PM, illustrating a classic curve of sun intensity throughout the day. Remember to take precautions during the peak hours to protect your skin!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the late spring and summer months. The highest risk months for UV exposure are March to September, where the Index reaches extreme levels of 11 to 13, translating to a burn time as short as 10 minutes under optimal conditions. February and October also register high to very high levels (UV Index of 9 and 10, respectively), necessitating caution. Residents and visitors should take proactive measures during these high-risk periods—seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly to mitigate the risks associated with overexposure to UV radiation. As a general reminder, always be mindful of the burn time associated with the UV Index; it varies from 10-15 minutes during peak months to 25 minutes in the colder months, emphasizing the need for vigilance year-round.
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 |
| Shitang | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| 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 |