Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Xietan, China, where the climate is characterized as Cfa—a humid subtropical atmosphere that brings high levels of sunshine. Knowledge of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in promoting long-term skin health. With the UV Index peaking at an intense 13 during midday hours, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with overexposure to sunlight, particularly during the summer months when the sun is most powerful. Stay informed and protect your skin by keeping an eye on the UV Index in Xietan!
The UV Index displays a clear peak in intensity throughout the day, starting from a modest 1 at 07:00. As the sun climbs higher, it reaches a marked 3 by 08:00 and escalates sharply to 5 at 09:00. The real intensity kicks in as the clock strikes 10:00, reaching 8, but it doesn't stop there; it soars to its maximum of 12 at 12:00. The highest reading arrives at 13:00 with a blistering 13, signaling a need for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually dips, returning to 11 by 14:00, then descending further to 9 at 15:00. As the day winds down, the UV Index falls swiftly back to 1 by 18:00, and remains steady at this low level until 19:00. This hourly fluctuation underscores the importance of safeguarding against UV exposure, particularly during midday hours.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, peaking in the summer months. From January to February, the UV Index remains high at 6 to 7, suggesting a burn time of 25 minutes. As we move into March, the UV Index rises sharply to 9, categorized as very high, with a reduced burn time of 15 minutes. The most critical months for UV exposure are April through September, where the Index reaches extreme levels of 11 to 13 and the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. October sees a decline to a UV Index of 9, while November and December return to high and moderate levels, respectively. Visitors and residents should be mindful of these high-risk months, especially from April to September, and take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and 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 |
| 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 |
| Xietan | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| 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 |