Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Zhonghe, China, where the climate is characterized as Aw — warm and humid, leading to increased sun exposure risks. Awareness of UV levels helps in sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health, especially during peak hours when UV indices soar to dangerous levels of 11 to 13 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Given the region’s typical weather patterns, recognizing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can significantly reduce the risk of skin damage and ensure a healthier outdoor experience. Stay informed and protect your skin from the sun’s potentially harmful rays!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually increasing to 2 by 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 4, but the intensity really ramps up at 10:00 AM, soaring to 8. The peak occurs at 12:00 PM, where the UV Index hits a staggering 13, remaining consistently high until 1:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, it starts to decline, dipping to 12 at 2:00 PM and gradually falling to 3 by 5:00 PM. The day concludes with a return to a safer 1 by 7:00 PM, making it essential to stay protected 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 | 4 | 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 | 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, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with particularly high levels from February to October. The months of March to May, along with August, demonstrate the most severe UV exposure, classified as extreme, with an alarming UV Index peaking at 14 in May and August. High-risk months include February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October, where the burn time is notably short, limited to just 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats, and seeking shade where possible to prevent skin damage and maintain health. January, November, and December see a slight reduction in UV levels; however, caution remains essential as they are still categorized as very high.
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 |
Zhonghe | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |