Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Xuchang, China, where the sun's rays can pose significant risks, especially during peak hours. With UV levels peaking at 11 around midday, awareness of these numbers is crucial for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. Xuchang's Cwa climate brings hot summers, making it vital to know when to seek shade or apply sunscreen to protect yourself from harmful UV exposure. Being proactive about the UV Index not only safeguards your skin but also allows you to enjoy outdoor activities safely.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. As the sun climbs, it reaches 3 by 08:00, signaling a slight increase in UV intensity. By 09:00, the index escalates to 5, becoming more noticeable. The real peak occurs between 12:00 and 13:00, where it spikes to a striking 11, indicating a high level of UV exposure—time to lather on that sunscreen! As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, dipping to 9 at 14:00, followed by 7 at 15:00. By 16:00, it settles at 4, and as the day winds down, it drops to 2 by 17:00 before returning to a low 1 at 18:00 and 19:00. Be sure to stay protected during the peak hours to enjoy the beautiful day safely!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 demonstrates noticeable seasonal changes, with high-risk months primarily occurring from March through August. In March, the UV Index escalates to 7, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a recommended burn time of just 25 minutes. As the summer months approach, April sees an increase to 8, followed by an even higher index of 10 in May and June. The most extreme levels are reached in July and August, both registering a UV Index of 11, where the burn time drops to a mere 10 minutes. After this peak, the risk decreases in September and October, but remains very high. For safe sun exposure, it is crucial for visitors and residents to limit their time outdoors, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen, particularly during these high-risk months. In the fall and winter, from November to February, the UV levels drop to moderate and low, allowing more leisurely outdoor activities with appropriate precautions.
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 |
| Xuchang | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 8 | 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 |