Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Hongcheng, China, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health against the sun's harmful rays. High UV levels can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage, making awareness essential for both residents and visitors. With Hongcheng's Cfa climate, characterized by warm summers and moderate sunlight, the risk of high UV exposure is significant, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the index peaks at 11. By keeping a close eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin and enjoy the sunny days safely.
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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal variations, peaking during the summer months. January and February present a high risk with a UV Index of 6, allowing for only 25 minutes of exposure before burns occur. As we transition into March and April, the risk escalates to a very high category (UV Index 8-10) with a reduced safe exposure time of 15 minutes. This trend continues into May before reaching its most critical peak in June and July, where the UV Index hits 11-12, classified as extreme, allowing just 10 minutes of safe sun exposure. Both August and September maintain a similar high risk before gradually decreasing in October to 8 and November to 7, marking a transition to lower risk months, culminating in December with a moderate category (UV Index 4) and a safer 30 minutes of burn time. Given this data, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to exercise caution and prioritize sun protection during the high-risk months of March through September, especially during summer when the UV exposure can be critical.
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 |
| Hongcheng | 6 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 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 |