Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Hengbei, China, where the climate can lead to elevated sun exposure. Monitoring UV levels not only helps prevent sunburn but is also essential for maintaining long-term skin health. With the UV Index reaching a peak of 10 during midday hours, it’s vital to be aware of the risks associated with the region's Dwa climate, which brings strong sun during the warmer months. By staying informed about UV fluctuations throughout the day, you can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing the potential harm from the sun's rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually transitions from a mild 1 at 07:00 to an invigorating 3 by 08:00. The peak UV intensity hits its stride between 12:00 and 13:00, reaching a striking 10, a clear call for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, tapering off to 8 at 14:00, 6 at 15:00, and eventually settling to a gentle 2 by 17:00. By evening, the UV levels dip back down, returning to a safe 1, indicating it's time to relax and enjoy the cooler, softer light of sunset.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, which reflects the intensity of ultraviolet radiation and the potential for skin damage. During the winter months of January (UV Index 3) and February (UV Index 4), the exposure level is moderate, with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, as spring approaches, particularly in March (UV Index 6), the risk escalates to high, requiring more vigilant sun protection. The summer months are particularly hazardous, peaking from April (UV Index 8) through August (UV Index 10), denoting very high exposure levels where burn times shrink to just 15 minutes. Even as autumn settles in, September maintains a strong risk with a UV Index of 8, and October (UV Index 7) still poses a high risk. In contrast, November and December present much lower risks with indices dropping to 4 and 2 respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to prioritize sun safety, particularly during the high-risk months of April through September, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible.
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 |
| Hengbei | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 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 |