Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Zhongyuan, China, where strong sunlight is a common feature of the Am climate zone. As UV levels can soar, particularly during the midday hours—reaching peaks of 14—being aware of these measurements helps in preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. With consistent exposure risks throughout the year, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is essential for maintaining well-being outdoors. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beauty of Zhongyuan while safeguarding yourself against harmful solar radiation.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic range of exposure throughout the day, starting gently at 1 by 07:00 and climbing steadily to a peak of 14 between 12:00 and 13:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, safety precautions are crucial, especially during the hour of 11:00 when the index hits 11. After the intense midday sun, the index gradually descends, dropping to 9 at 15:00, and mellowing out to 1 by 19:00. This clear pattern underscores the importance of sun protection during the most intense hours, ensuring a safe and enjoyable time outdoors.
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 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 14 | 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 |
The seasonal UV changes reveal significant variations throughout the year, with January starting at a UV Index of 9 (very high exposure) and gradually climbing to a peak of 14 in May and July. From February to October, the UV Index remains predominantly in the extreme category, signaling high risk for skin damage with a swift burn time of just 10 minutes. November and December see a decline to a UV Index of 9 and 8 respectively, categorizing them as very high but allowing for slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious from February to October, when the UV risk is at its highest; it is advisable to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and minimize sun exposure during peak hours 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 |
Zhongyuan | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |