Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Qitaihe, China, awareness of the UV Index is essential for ensuring the health and safety of its residents. Understanding UV levels is crucial to prevent sunburn, protect skin health, and minimize long-term risks such as skin cancer. Given Qitaihe's Dwb climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers, the potential for high UV exposure—especially during peak hours—can pose significant risks. With maximum UV Index values reaching 9 during midday, it’s vital to stay informed and take appropriate precautions to enjoy the sunny days safely.
The UV Index climbs steadily throughout the morning, starting at a manageable 3 at 07:00 and surging to a peak of 9 between 10:00 and 12:00. During these hours, sun protection is crucial as the intensity remains high, ideal for outdoor activities if precautions are taken. As the afternoon sets in, the index begins to decline, dropping to 8 by 13:00, and then tapering off to 6 at 14:00. By the afternoon, the risks lessen significantly, with readings falling to 4 at 15:00, and a gentle decline continues into the evening, reaching 1 by 17:00 and finally settling at 0 after 19:00. This pattern emphasizes the importance of maximizing sun safety during the midday hours, where the sun's rays are at their strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal variations. January and December remain the safer months with a low UV Index of 2 (burn time of 45 minutes), while February, with a moderate Index of 3, signals a slight increase in risk. As spring progresses, March (UV Index of 5) begins to ramp up, transitioning into April and May, which see a high Index of 7 (burn time reduced to 25 minutes). The summer months of June, July, and August represent the peak of UV exposure, with a very high Index of 9 that drastically shortens burn time to just 15 minutes. In September, the risk remains high with a return to an Index of 7, before tapering off in October with a moderate 4, and again falling to low levels in November. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months of April through September, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, to minimize potential skin damage from increased UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qitaihe | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| 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 |