Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Liunan, China, is essential for residents and visitors alike as it plays a crucial role in promoting skin health and preventing sunburn. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, and being aware of these levels can help you take appropriate precautions. With Liunan's humid subtropical climate (Cfa), the region experiences varying UV exposure risks, especially during peak hours when indices can soar to an alarming 12 or even 13. Armed with this knowledge, you can enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index rises sharply as the day progresses, peaking in the early afternoon. At 07:00, it starts at a mild 1, but by 09:00, it escalates to 5, signaling the arrival of more intense sunlight. 10:00 sees the index reach 8, and by 11:00, it hits a formidable 11, indicating high exposure risk. Just one hour later, the UV Index reaches its zenith at 12:00 with a striking 12, and the maximum is recorded at 13:00 at 13. However, after this peak, UV levels begin to descend, dropping to 11 by 14:00, and gradually falling to 8 at 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index dwindles to 5 by 16:00, and finally tapers off to 3 at 17:00, before returning to a safe 1 from 18:00 onwards. It's a day to heed sun safety, particularly during those intense midday 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels show significant seasonal variation, with the highest exposure occurring from March to September. During this period, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, particularly in July and August, with an Index of 13 and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. February and March also pose high risks, with an Index of 9 and 11, respectively. As such, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during these high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to safeguard against harmful UV exposure. The UV Index begins to decline in October, but caution is still advised in the moderate levels present during the fall and winter months, particularly in November and December, where the burn time increases to 15 minutes.
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 |
| Liunan | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 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 |