Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Xianhe, China, especially given its Cwa climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. It’s essential to be aware of UV levels to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. With daily peaks reaching an intense level of 11 around noon, the risks of overexposure increase significantly during summer months. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting modestly at 1 by 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, the intensity ramps up to 5, signaling a gentle warning for sun-sensitive activities. The peak arrives between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where the UV Index reaches a robust 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this zenith, the numbers gradually decline, dropping to 7 by 3:00 PM, and later sinking back to a lowly 1 by 6:00 PM. This hourly dance of UV radiation reminds us to stay vigilant during the brightest hours of the day, ensuring we protect our skin while enjoying the sunshine.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |