Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Xiangyang, China, where sun exposure can significantly impact skin health and overall well-being. With UV levels peaking at a striking 11 around midday, it’s essential to be aware of these fluctuations to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Situated in a Cfa climate zone, Xiangyang experiences a mix of humid subtropical weather, which can intensify the effects of UV radiation. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and enjoy the sun safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 07:00, indicating a low level of UV radiation. By 08:00, it increases to 3, where precautions can start to be considered. The real intensity emerges from 09:00 onward, peaking at an impressive 11 at 12:00, warning that sun protection is essential during these hours. From 11:00 to 13:00, the index remains critically high at 10, before gradually declining through the afternoon, dropping to 6 at 15:00 and further to 4 by 16:00. As the day winds down, the UV levels fall back to 2 at 17:00 and return to a safe 1 by 18:00, continuing through to 19:00. This data highlights the importance of midday sun protection to shield against the strongest UV levels!
| 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 | 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 varies significantly throughout the year, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, the exposure is considered moderate, with a UV Index of 5 and a burn time of 30 minutes. The risk increases in March with a high UV Index of 7, and more notably, April and May see very high levels of UV radiation, reaching a peak of 10 in May and resulting in a burn time of just 15 minutes. The summer months of June, July, and August present the highest risk, categorizing as extreme with a UV Index consistently at 11 and a burn time of only 10 minutes. As the year progresses into September and October, the risk remains very high, tapering off in November and December to moderate levels. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during high UV months, particularly between April and September, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to prevent skin damage.
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 |
| Xiangyang | 5 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 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 |