Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Hanshou, China, where the subtropical climate can lead to significant sun exposure. With peak UV levels often reaching as high as 11 around noon, knowing how to interpret these figures is essential for protecting your skin from potential damage and avoiding painful sunburns. Proper awareness not only promotes skin health but also helps you enjoy outdoor activities safely. In Hanshou, where summer sun is prevalent, keeping a close eye on UV levels empowers you to make informed choices and safeguard your well-being from harmful ultraviolet rays.
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, the UV Index experiences notable seasonal changes, with high-risk months typically occurring from April to August, when indices reach 10 or higher and burn times decrease significantly. April and May present a very high exposure category with a burn time of just 15 minutes, while the peak of summer in June and July escalates to an extreme category, reducing burn time to a mere 10 minutes. Even August maintains this extreme level before tapering off in September. For visitors and residents, it is crucial during these high-risk months to take precautionary measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. In contrast, the fall and winter months offer more moderate UV levels, particularly from November to February, with indices dropping back to a high or moderate exposure category and increasing burn times to 25 minutes or longer.
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 |
| Hanshou | 6 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 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 |