Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Wangcheng, China, where sunny days are common, and the risk of UV exposure can peak dramatically. Awareness of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities safely. In a humid subtropical climate like Wangcheng's, typical UV exposure brings its own set of challenges, especially during midday when the index can soar to 10—indicating very high levels of UV radiation. Knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in maintaining your skin's wellbeing and preventing long-term damage.
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 |
The UV Index exhibits distinct seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious from May through August, when the UV Index peaks at 10 and 11, indicating very high to extreme risk levels and burn times as short as 10 to 15 minutes. The spring months of March and April also present increasing UV levels, transitioning from moderate to very high exposure. Conversely, late fall and winter months (November to February) reflect lower UV levels, categorized as moderate, with burn times extending to 30 minutes. To protect yourself, it’s advisable to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing during the high-risk months, especially when spending extended time outdoors.
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 |
| Wangcheng | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 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 |