Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Kaifeng, China, where the climate features hot summers typical of a humid subtropical zone (Cwa). High UV levels can lead to sunburn and long-term skin health issues, making it essential to be aware of daily UV exposure risks. During peak hours, particularly from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to levels 10 and above, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed to protect your skin and enjoy the sunshine safely!
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs, reaching a more noticeable 3 by 8:00 AM. The real surge occurs between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it peaks at 10—a crucial time for sun protection. After that, it begins to gently decline, with 9 at 1:00 PM, 8 at 2:00 PM, and dropping further to 6 by 3:00 PM. As the sun starts its descent, the index sees a steady fall, ending at a comfortable 1 by 6:00 PM, making the later hours much safer for outdoor activities. Pay attention to the height of UV levels around midday for optimal sun safety!
| 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 | 9 | 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 does the UV Index, affecting the risk of sun exposure for visitors and residents. From January to February, the UV Index ranges from 3 to 5, indicating a moderate risk with a burn time of 30 minutes. The risk significantly increases from March to September, peaking at 10 during the summer months (May to August), marking a very high risk with a short burn time of just 15 minutes. As October approaches, the UV Index begins to decline to 7, while November and December return to a moderate risk with an index of 4 and 3, respectively, allowing for a safe burn time of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months, particularly between April and September, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to prevent skin damage.
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 |
| Kaifeng | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |