Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Henan, China, where sun exposure can significantly affect health. With peak UV levels reaching 8 around midday, it's vital to recognize how these changes can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. Henan's Dwb climate brings both hot summers and cold winters, but the intensity of UV radiation during the warmer months necessitates vigilance. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can protect your skin and enjoy the outdoors safely, making sun safety a priority in this vibrant region.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, peaking at a maximum of 8 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. This midday period is crucial for sun safety, with the index suggesting a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Starting from a mild 3 at 7:00 AM, the index escalates to a moderate 6 at 9:00 AM, and then swiftly reaches 7 by 10:00 AM. After hitting its zenith, the UV levels gradually decline to 6 by 2:00 PM and then continue to drop, falling to 1 by 5:00 PM and remaining low into the evening. Remember, during the peak hours, it’s essential to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen to minimize the risks associated with UV radiation. The day's progression underscores the significance of UV awareness to ensure both safety and enjoyment in the sun.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index experiences notable seasonal changes throughout the year, highlighting varying risk levels for sun exposure. From January to February, the UV Index remains low (2), allowing for safe outdoor activities with a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring progresses, March sees a moderate increase to an Index of 4, indicating a 30-minute burn time. The high-risk months emerge in late spring and summer, peaking in June and July with a very high UV Index of 8 and 9, where the burn time dramatically shortens to just 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. As summer transitions into autumn, September’s UV Index drops to 6, while October sees a further decrease to 4, both remaining moderate and allowing for safer outdoor activities with longer burn times of 25 to 30 minutes. By November and December, the UV Index returns to low levels (2 and 1), providing a safer environment for outdoor enjoyment with burn times extending back to 45 minutes.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henan | 2 | 2 | 4 | 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 |