Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Xianhe, China, where sun exposure can quickly escalate, especially during the peak hours of the day. With the climate characterized as Cwa, the risk of harmful UV radiation is significant, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the UV Index can reach a high of 12. Awareness of these levels is essential not just for preventing painful sunburns, but also for maintaining long-term skin health. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun safety and protect yourself from the potential risks associated with overexposure.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a clear escalation in sun intensity as the hours progress. Starting at 07:00 with a mild index of 1, it gradually climbs to 2 by 08:00 and significantly ramps up to 4 at 09:00. The sun reaches its peak at 12:00, soaring to a blistering 12, and maintains that level for the next hour, providing strong reminders for safety. As the day wanes, the index declines, dropping to 10 at 14:00 and then easing into 8 by 15:00, before returning to a more manageable 3 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the index gently settles back to 1, highlighting the importance of sun protection during those peak midday hours. Enjoy the sun, but remember to stay safe!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes reflect a significant variation in exposure levels, with the highest UV Index found from March to September. Particularly, the months of May to August pose the greatest threat, consistently reaching an extreme UV Index of 11 or 12 with a burn time as short as 10 minutes. March and April also warrant caution due to their very high UV Index of 10, contributing to the overall risk during spring. Those visiting or residing in this area should take proactive measures, especially from March to September, such as wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours. Meanwhile, January, February, November, and December tend to have moderate to high UV levels but still require some sun protection. Stay vigilant and prioritize skin health year-round!
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 |
| Xianhe | 5 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 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 |