Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Datong, China, where the sun's rays can pose significant risks to skin health. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 9 during midday hours, awareness of these levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and long-term skin protection. Datong’s Dwa climate means hot summers characterized by intense sunlight, making it vital to safeguard yourself against potential UV damage. By staying informed about daily UV Index readings, you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts off low at 2, making it a safe time for early risers. As the sun climbs, the index steadily increases to 4 by 08:00 and reaches 6 by 09:00, signaling the need for some sun protection. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00, with a high of 9, emphasizing the importance of seeking shade and applying sunscreen for outdoor activities during the 11:00 - 13:00 hours when it remains elevated at 8. A gradual decline begins post-peak, dropping to 6 at 14:00 and further to 4 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the UV Index lowers significantly, hitting 1 by 17:00 and remaining there until 19:00. It's essential to stay vigilant and protect your skin during the peak hours but enjoy the reduced UV exposure later in the day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates notable seasonal variations that affect exposure risk. January and February have relatively low to moderate UV levels (Index 2-3), with safe burn times of 45 and 30 minutes respectively. As spring approaches, March sees a rise to an index of 5, and by April, it reaches 6, marking the beginning of high-risk months. The most critical period arrives in May and June, where the UV Index peaks at 8-9, indicating very high exposure risk and a reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. July and August maintain this peak, before tapering off in September with a return to a high risk (UV Index 6). October brings a moderate reduction (Index 4), while winter months November and December drop back to low levels. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during May through September, using sunscreen and protective clothing to minimize harmful effects during these high-risk months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Datong | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 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 |