Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Shiyan, China, where exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays can significantly impact skin health. With the city’s Cwa climate, characterized by hot summers and varied seasonal changes, the UV levels can soar, reaching a peak index of 11 around noon. Awareness of these UV levels not only aids in preventing painful sunburns but also helps protect against long-term skin damage. From the early morning through the afternoon, it's important to stay informed and take necessary precautions to safeguard your skin against Shiyan's intense sun exposure.
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 |
The UV Index varies throughout the year, indicating significant seasonal changes in sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV Index remains steady at 5 (moderate), with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, as spring approaches, the UV Index surges to 8 in March and peaks at 11 during the summer months of May to August, classified as extreme with a notably reduced burn time of only 10 minutes. The risk begins to taper off in September (UV Index 10) and October (UV Index 8), before reverting to moderate levels in November and December. Visitors and residents alike are strongly advised to take extra precautions, especially during the high-risk months from March to October, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to avoid harmful 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 |
| Shiyan | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 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 |