Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Hongcheng, China, where the sun can pose significant risks due to the region's subtropical climate (Cfa). With peak UV levels often soaring to 12 during midday, awareness of these fluctuations not only aids in preventing sunburn but is also vital for long-term skin health. As you enjoy outdoor activities or simply spend time in the sun, staying informed about the daily UV levels helps protect you from the harmful effects of overexposure, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful sunshine of Hongcheng safely.
The UV Index provides a clear snapshot of sun exposure throughout the day, peaking at 12 around noon. Starting the morning at a mild level of 1 at 07:00, the index swiftly climbs, reaching 11 by 11:00. The intensity plateaus at its highest point of 12 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating a critical time for sun safety. As the afternoon progresses, the UVI declines, dropping to 10 at 14:00, and gradually softening to 4 by 16:00. By the evening hours, the index falls back to a comfortable 1 by 18:00, making later hours more forgiving for outdoor activities. Stay protected and plan your sun exposure wisely!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
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 |