Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Zhangjiaji, China, where the climate's Cfa classification contributes to varying UV exposure levels throughout the year. With peak values reaching as high as 11 around midday, being aware of the UV Index can aid in preventing sunburn, protecting skin health, and reducing the risk of skin-related issues. The climate here often features sunny days, making it critical to gauge UV levels, especially during the sunniest hours from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. By staying informed, you can enjoy the beauty of Zhangjiaji while safeguarding your skin from harmful sun radiation.
The UV Index dramatically rises throughout the morning, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and reaching a peak of 11 by noon, marking a period of intense sun exposure. From 10:00 AM to 13:00 PM, the index remains at high levels, suggesting it’s crucial to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen and seeking shade. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, dipping to a manageable 4 by 4:00 PM, before settling back to 1 by 6:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of being aware of UV levels, especially during peak hours, to ensure safety and minimize skin damage.
| 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 | 10 | 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 |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, the exposure is considered moderate, with a UV Index of 5 and a burn time of 30 minutes. The risk increases in March with a high UV Index of 7, and more notably, April and May see very high levels of UV radiation, reaching a peak of 10 in May and resulting in a burn time of just 15 minutes. The summer months of June, July, and August present the highest risk, categorizing as extreme with a UV Index consistently at 11 and a burn time of only 10 minutes. As the year progresses into September and October, the risk remains very high, tapering off in November and December to moderate levels. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during high UV months, particularly between April and September, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to prevent 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 |
| Zhangjiaji | 5 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 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 |