Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Luoyang, China, where the sun can be particularly intense. With UV levels reaching a staggering 11 during midday hours, it's vital to be aware of these readings to protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage. Luoyang's humid subtropical climate (Cwa) means that exposure risks can be high, especially in peak sunshine hours. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery of this historic city while safeguarding your skin health.
At sunrise, the UV Index starts low at 1, gradually increasing to 3 by 8:00 AM. As the day progresses, the sun’s intensity peaks at 12:00 PM with an impressive 11, signaling that midday is when UV exposure is at its highest. Shortly thereafter, the index slightly declines to 10 at 1:00 PM, before tapering off through the afternoon: 9 at 2:00 PM, 7 at 3:00 PM, and dropping to 4 by 4:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV Index diminishes to 2 at 5:00 PM and finally returns to its morning levels of 1 by 6:00 PM, showcasing the natural ebb and flow of sunlight throughout the day. Be sure to protect your skin during peak hours between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. High-risk months typically occur from March to September, peaking in June with an extreme UV Index of 11. During this time, burn time can be as short as 10 minutes, underscoring the importance of protective measures. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours, especially in the very high and extreme categories. As we transition into fall and winter, the UV Index drops to moderate levels in November and December, allowing for safer outdoor activities, but vigilance is still warranted.
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 |
| Luoyang | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 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 |