Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Zhangjiajie, China, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense, especially during the peak afternoon hours. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health and reducing the risk of skin cancer. With a Cfa climate characterized by humid subtropical weather, Zhangjiajie's UV exposure risks can reach alarming levels, peaking at a significant 10 around midday. Staying informed about the UV Index helps individuals take proactive measures to protect themselves and enjoy the beautiful outdoor landscapes safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to escalate, peaking dramatically around midday. At 07:00, it's a modest 1, but by 08:00, it climbs to 3, signaling the start of a brighter day. The sun's intensity continues to rise swiftly, hitting 5 by 09:00 and reaching a scorching 10 between 12:00 and 13:00—a crucial time for sun safety awareness. As the afternoon wears on, the index begins to dip, dropping to 9 at 14:00 and gradually falling to 6, 4, and eventually down to 2 by 17:00, before settling back to 1 as the sun sets at 19:00. It's a day that showcases the importance of protecting your skin during peak 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
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 |