Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Haokou, China, where the sun's rays can pose significant health risks. With a climate classified as Cfa, this region experiences varying UV levels throughout the day—often peaking at 12 between noon and early afternoon. Knowing these levels is vital for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. As the UV Index rises quickly, especially around 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, it’s essential to take precautions to safeguard your skin against harmful effects like premature aging and skin cancer. Stay informed and protect yourself from the sun's powerful rays!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, reaching a maximum of 12 by midday. At 07:00, the index starts at a gentle 1, making it a safe time for early risers. However, by 10:00, it escalates quickly to 8, signaling the need for sun protection. The peak intensity occurs from 11:00 to 13:00, where it hits 10 and 12, respectively—ideal times for seeking shade or applying sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses, the index declines, dropping to 7 by 15:00 and gently tapering to 1 by 19:00. Overall, it’s crucial to stay mindful of the sun's strength during these busy hours to protect your skin effectively.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 year progresses, UV exposure varies significantly, with certain months posing higher risks for sunburn and skin damage. The highest UV Index levels occur from March to August, particularly peaking at 12 in July, indicating an extreme exposure category where burn time is as little as 10 minutes. April and May also exhibit very high UV levels, recorded at 10 and 11, respectively. Visitors and residents should be especially cautious during these high-risk months and take preventative measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. By September, the UV Index starts to decrease, but remains in the very high category at 10, followed by a gradual decline through winter months, reaching a moderate level of 4 by December. Staying informed and proactive is key to ensuring skin health throughout the changing seasons.
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 |
| 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 |
| Haokou | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 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 |