Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Xihe, China, where the climate is classified as Cfa—typified by warm summers and moderate exposure to sunlight. With UV levels peaking at an intensity of 11 around noon, it's essential to grasp the importance of protecting your skin from potential harm, including sunburn and long-term health issues. By monitoring the UV Index, individuals can take proactive measures to safeguard their skin health and enjoy the beauty of Xihe’s radiant days while minimizing risks associated with high UV exposure.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting with a gentle 1 at 07:00. As the sun climbs higher, it gains strength, peaking at an intense 11 by 12:00 and 13:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The UV Index starts to descend after this peak, dropping to 9 at 14:00, and gradually easing into more manageable levels of 6 by 15:00 and 4 at 16:00. By the late afternoon and into the evening, the index cools off, returning to 2 at 17:00, and finally lingering around 1 for the rest of the evening. Planning your outdoor activities? The optimal window for sun exposure is from 10:00 to 14:00, but don't forget your sunscreen!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, influencing sun exposure and burn risk. From January to February, the UV Index remains at 5, categorized as moderate, allowing for 30 minutes of sun exposure without burning. However, by March, the index jumps to 8 (very high), with a burn time of just 15 minutes, peaking in June and July at 12 (extreme), where only 10 minutes of sun is safe. August sees a slight decrease to 11, while September returns to 10 (very high). In October, conditions remain elevated at 8 before the UV Index decreases to 6 in November and drops to 4 by December, both classified as moderate. Given these seasonal variations, it is crucial for visitors and residents to exercise caution during high-risk months, especially from March through September. Regularly applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours are essential for safe sun practices.
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 |
| Xihe | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 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 |