Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Maochen, China, where the combination of a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) and peak UV levels can pose significant risks to skin health. The UV Index fluctuates throughout the day, reaching a maximum of 10 between 11 AM and 1 PM, indicating a high potential for sunburn and long-term skin damage. Awareness of these levels helps you take proactive measures to protect your skin, ensuring your time outdoors remains safe and enjoyable. Being informed about UV exposure not only aids in sunburn prevention but also supports overall skin health, making it essential for anyone spending time under the sun in this vibrant region.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises steadily, peaking sharply at 11:00 AM and maintaining a high level of 10 until 1:00 PM. Early risers will find the morning sun relatively mild, with a gradual increase from 1 at 7:00 AM to 3 by 8:00 AM, and then it really kicks into gear, reaching 5 by 9:00 AM. The intensity of the rays begins to diminish after the midday peak, with readings declining to 9 at 2:00 PM and further down to 6 at 3:00 PM. As the sun starts its descent, the UV levels drop significantly, falling to 4 by 4:00 PM and landing at 1 by 6:00 PM, ensuring a cooler, safer end to the day. It's crucial to protect your skin during those peak hours, particularly between 10 AM and 1 PM, to avoid overexposure!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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 demonstrates significant seasonal variations, indicating fluctuating risk levels for sun exposure. From January to February, the risk increases from moderate to high, with recommended burn times decreasing from 30 minutes to 25 minutes. The spring and early summer months, particularly from March to June, see a steep rise in the UV Index, peaking at 11 in July and August, classified as extreme, with burn times as short as 10 minutes. As autumn approaches, the index remains high, particularly in September (UV Index 10), before decreasing in November and December to moderate levels. Visitors and residents are advised to exercise caution, especially during March to August, when the risk of sunburn is highest. It is crucial to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and seek shade during peak sun hours to minimize health risks associated with UV exposure.
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 |
| Maochen | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 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 |