Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Mahaokou, China, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding the UV levels throughout the day not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. Given Mahaokou's Cfa climate, characterized by warm summers and relatively high UV exposure, residents and visitors alike should stay informed about peak times—especially as the UV Index can reach a maximum of 11 around midday. By taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting yourself from the sun's harmful effects.
The UV Index begins the day at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, ideal for early risers enjoying the outdoors. As the sun climbs, the index steadily rises, reaching 3 by 8:00 AM and hitting 5 at 9:00 AM. It's 10:00 AM when things heat up, peaking at a striking 11 by noon, making it crucial to take precautions. The UV Index holds steady at this maximum of 11 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, signaling extreme exposure levels. Following this hour, conditions begin to cool down with a decline to 9 by 2:00 PM and tapering to 4 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the index drops sharply to 1 by 6:00 PM, providing a gentle close to the day's UV exposure. Adapting outdoor activities in line with these UV fluctuations is essential for skin health!
| 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 | 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 significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest values occurring from May to August, characterized by extreme levels of UV exposure. March and April also present very high readings, marking them as high-risk months. The peak months for UV exposure are July and August, where the UV Index reaches 12 and the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of skin damage. In contrast, the winter months (January and December) show moderate levels of UV exposure, providing a safer environment for outdoor activities, while February and November present high exposure risk. Staying informed about UV levels, especially in the warmer months, is essential for maintaining skin health.
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 |
| Mahaokou | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| 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 |