Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Xi'an, China, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With a Cfa climate that presents elevated UV exposure, especially during the peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM when the index can soar above 12, residents and visitors must take precautions to enjoy the sun safely. Keep informed and protect yourself from the sun’s rays while embracing all that this historic city has to offer!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reaches its peak intensity during midday hours. Starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00, the index rises steadily to 3 by 08:00, then surges to a significant 9 by 10:00. The sun shines brightest at 12:00, where it hits a staggering 13, remaining there until 13:00. After this zenith, the UV levels begin to decline, dropping to 10 at 14:00 before gradually decreasing to 7 at 15:00. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index settles back to 4 by 16:00, and continues its descent to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. It's crucial to be mindful of sun exposure during those peak hours, particularly between 11:00 and 13:00, when the risk of harm from UV rays is at its highest. Stay safe and protect your skin!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 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 | 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 |
| Xi'an | 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 |