Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Guancang, China, where sunny days and a Cfa climate can significantly elevate the risk of harmful UV exposure. With peak UV levels typically reaching a scorching 13 around midday, awareness of these indices is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. As outdoor activities increase, understanding UV levels not only helps safeguard your skin but also promotes overall well-being. Be proactive in protecting yourself—knowledge is your best defense against the sun’s potent rays!
The UV Index for today reveals a striking pattern of sun intensity throughout the day. Starting at 7:00 AM, the index is a modest 1, but as the sun rises, so does the intensity—by 10:00 AM, it skyrockets to 7. The peak arrives at noon and 1:00 PM with a blistering 13, indicating a crucial time to protect your skin. As the afternoon progresses, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the index remains high but begins to taper off, dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM. The gentle decline continues into the evening, with UV levels plummeting to 1 by 6:00 PM and holding steady until sunset. Be mindful of the midday sun—it’s when the rays are most potent and protection is essential.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels vary significantly, peaking during the summer months. January starts with a high UV Index of 6, with a burn time of 25 minutes, but by February and March, it escalates to 8 and 9, respectively, both categorized as very high, and reducing burn time to 15 minutes. As we transition into April and May, the UV Index hits an extreme level of 12, where the burn time shortens to just 10 minutes. This extreme level continues through July and August, maintaining a UV Index of 13. September sees a slight decline to 11 but remains in the extreme category, while October returns to very high at 10. November and December finally give a reprieve with lower indices of 7 and 5, respectively. Therefore, the high-risk months for sun exposure are from April to September, where the UV Index is at its highest, urging visitors and residents to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours for safety.
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 |
| Guancang | 6 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| 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 |