Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Yichang, China, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful solar radiation. Understanding the UV levels on any given day helps you take necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and contribute to long-term skin health. With a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), Yichang experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during peak hours when levels can soar to a striking 11 around midday. By staying informed about the UV index, you can enjoy the sunny days while minimizing your risks and protecting your skin!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a remarkable rise, peaking impressively at 11 between noon and 1 PM. Starting with a modest 1 at 7 AM, the index escalates to around 3 by 8 AM and rapidly climbs, hitting 5 by 9 AM. The ascent continues as the sun reaches its zenith, soaring to 8 at 10 AM and breaching the 10 mark by 11 AM. As we reach peak sun hours, it stabilizes at 11 for both 12 PM and 1 PM, before gradually descending to 9 at 2 PM and tapering off to 7 by 3 PM. The latter part of the afternoon sees a gentle decline to 4 at 4 PM, finally returning to the morning's low of 1 by 6 PM, and maintaining this relaxed level through 7 PM. It's a vivid reminder of the sun's strength, urging outdoor enthusiasts to stay sun-smart during the intense 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 | 10 | 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 | 7 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, impacting burn times and exposure risk. January and February maintain a high UV Index of 6 with a burn time of 25 minutes. From March to October, the UV Index peaks, particularly in May through August, where it reaches an extreme level of 11 and even 12 in July, reducing burn time to just 10 minutes. April also sees a very high index of 10. The high-risk months for sun exposure are therefore March through September, where sunscreen, protective clothing, and limited sun exposure during peak hours are essential. As the year winds down, October revisits a very high index of 9, followed by a decrease to 6 in November and 4 in December, the latter being classified as moderate with a burn time of 30 minutes. Overall, visitors and residents should remain vigilant, especially from March to September, to minimize skin damage and ensure safety under the sun.
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 |
| Yichang | 6 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 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 |