Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Zhoukou, China, is essential for protecting your skin and overall health in this region known for its Cwa climate, where seasonal changes can elevate UV exposure risks. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 10 around noon, awareness of these numbers is crucial for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. By keeping an eye on the daily UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely, ensuring that outdoor activities contribute to your well-being rather than detract from it. Whether it’s planning a day in the sun or simply running errands, knowing the UV levels can help you make informed choices about sun protection.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a fascinating portrait of sun intensity. Starting from a modest 1 at 07:00, the UV levels gradually rise, peaking at a notable 10 at 12:00, indicating that it's essential to stay protected during midday. As the clock ticks past noon, the index gently declines, settling at 6 by 15:00 before tapering off to a low 1 by 19:00. For those planning outdoor activities, ensure you take precautions during the peak hours from 11:00 to 13:00, when the sun's rays are at their strongest. Enjoy the sunny day, but don’t forget your sunscreen!
| 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 | 3 | 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 significant seasonal variation, particularly rising in the spring and summer months. Notably, March marks the transition into the high-risk category, with a UV Index of 7 (burn time: 25 min), which continues to escalate through April (UV Index 8, burn time: 15 min) and peaks in August at an extreme level of 11, where the burn time is just 10 minutes. The months of May through August are characterized by very high to extreme UV levels, making them critical for sun safety. Residents and visitors are advised to take preventative measures during these months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. In contrast, December and January reflect the lowest UV exposure, ranking as moderate, allowing for safer outdoor activities. Staying informed on these seasonal changes is essential for protecting skin health year-round.
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 |
| Zhoukou | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 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 |