Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Xinling, China, where sunshine is abundant thanks to its Cwa climate. Awareness of UV levels is key to preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, as harmful rays can damage skin even on seemingly mild days. With midday peaks reaching a high of 12, it’s essential to be prepared for intense UV exposure, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful Xinling outdoors safely.
The UV Index today tells a striking story of the sun's intensity as the day unfolds. Starting at 07:00, the index peaks at a gentle 1, perfect for an early morning stroll. As the sun rises higher, a noticeable increase occurs, reaching 3 by 08:00 and then surging to a robust 5 at 09:00. By 10:00, the index hits 8, and it truly shifts into high gear at 11:00, peaking at an impressive 10. The zenith arrives with an intense 12 at 12:00 and holds steady, emphasizing the need for sun protection. As afternoon rolls in, a gradual decline begins, slipping to 10 at 14:00, then tapering off to 8 by 15:00 and 5 at 16:00. By the evening, the UV threat diminishes significantly to 2 at 17:00 and is back down to 1 by 19:00. Remember to stay sun-safe during the midday hours when the UV index is at its highest!
| 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 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 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 |
| Xinling | 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 |