Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Zhongdong, China, where sun exposure risks can vary dramatically throughout the day. With maximum UV levels soaring to 13 around noon, awareness can help prevent sunburn and promote long-term skin health. The region’s Cwa climate, characterized by distinct seasons, means that even on cooler days, the UV rays can be deceptively strong. By staying informed and taking proper precautions, you can enjoy the sunny weather while protecting your skin.
The UV Index for the day starts off mild, peaking at 1 at 7:00 AM, and gradually increases to a moderate level of 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity rises sharply, reaching its maximum of 13 at 12:00 PM and sustaining this level until 1:00 PM, indicating a significant risk for sun exposure. Post noon, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM and further tapering off to a gentle 3 at 5:00 PM. By 6:00 PM, it settles back to a comfortable 1, perfect for evening strolls. This pattern highlights the importance of seeking shade and protection during the peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the UV radiation is most intense.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, highlighting the importance of sun safety for both visitors and residents. From January to April, the UV levels gradually increase, with February reaching a very high index of 10 and transitioning to extreme levels by March. May through August sees the peak UV exposure, where the index remains consistently at 13 to 14 (extreme), demanding caution with a burn time of only 10 minutes. September begins a slight decrease but maintains an extreme classification at 12, while October stays high at 11 before dropping to a very high index of 9 in November. The year closes with December returning to a high index of 7. **Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures, especially from February through October, and to minimize sun exposure during peak hours, wearing appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
| 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 |
| Zhongdong | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |