Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Zishui, China, where the climate presents unique challenges in sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11, awareness of these numbers can play a significant role in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. The typical Cfa climate—characterized by warm summers—means that Zishui experiences intense UV radiation during midday hours, making it essential to monitor UV levels for safe outdoor activities. By grasping the importance of the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings while keeping your skin safe from harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a remarkable rise, peaking impressively at 11 between noon and 1 PM. Starting with a modest 1 at 7 AM, the index escalates to around 3 by 8 AM and rapidly climbs, hitting 5 by 9 AM. The ascent continues as the sun reaches its zenith, soaring to 8 at 10 AM and breaching the 10 mark by 11 AM. As we reach peak sun hours, it stabilizes at 11 for both 12 PM and 1 PM, before gradually descending to 9 at 2 PM and tapering off to 7 by 3 PM. The latter part of the afternoon sees a gentle decline to 4 at 4 PM, finally returning to the morning's low of 1 by 6 PM, and maintaining this relaxed level through 7 PM. It's a vivid reminder of the sun's strength, urging outdoor enthusiasts to stay sun-smart during the intense midday hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index values, significantly impacting sun safety for both visitors and residents. January and February start with a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for about 30 minutes of safe sun exposure. However, as spring approaches, March through May sees a dramatic increase, with the UV Index reaching 8 and escalating to 10, corresponding to a very high category and necessitating limited exposure to just 15 minutes. The summer months of July and August present the most direct sunlight with extreme UV Index levels of 11, where even 10 minutes can lead to burns. As fall arrives, September maintains a high UV Index of 10, while October sees a slight decrease to 8, both remaining in the very high exposure category. Finally, the year concludes with lower UV levels, returning to moderate values in November (5) and December (4), where time spent in the sun can safely increase back to 30 minutes. To ensure safety, all individuals are advised to monitor the UV Index closely, especially from March through October, and to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen during high-risk months.
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 |
| Zishui | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| 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 |