Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Guangzhou, China, where the subtropical climate can expose you to significant levels of dangerous ultraviolet radiation. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 9 around noon, awareness of these figures is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. As a city known for its hot summers and sunny days, knowing the UV Index helps you plan your outdoor activities safely, ensuring your time in the sun is enjoyable while minimizing the risks associated with excessive UV exposure. Stay informed and protect your skin!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic range of sun exposure. Starting at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM, the intensity gradually rises, peaking at 9 by 12:00 PM. This midday surge underscores the necessity of sun protection, as the index dips slightly to 8 at 1:00 PM before gradually declining through the afternoon. By 3:00 PM, it’s down to 5, further decreasing to a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. With these fluctuations, it’s essential to stay vigilant and prioritize skin safety during the peak hours between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index reflects significant seasonal changes that impact sun exposure and potential skin damage. The high-risk months are from April to August, where the UV Index peaks at 9 in July, indicating very high exposure risk with a burn time as low as 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Meanwhile, the winter months of January and February see a drop in UV levels to 2 and 3, classified as low to moderate, allowing for more lenient sun exposure while still taking care to protect skin. As the UV Index generally decreases towards the end of the year, exposure caution can be relaxed, particularly in November and December when burn times extend back to 45 minutes.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guanghou | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 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 |