Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Nanqiao, China, where the climate is categorized as Cfa—characterized by hot summers and mild winters. With peak UV levels often reaching a maximum of 12, being aware of these fluctuations can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. High UV exposure is particularly prevalent during the day, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, making it essential to take preventive measures during these hours. By keeping track of the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny days of Nanqiao while protecting your skin's health.
At dawn, the UV Index starts low at 1 by 7:00 AM, providing a gentle reminder of the sun's presence. As the morning progresses, the index climbs to 3 by 8:00 AM, and then peaks at 12 around noon, signaling intense sun activity. The sun's rays are strongest at 11:00 AM with a maximum of 10, making it crucial to protect your skin during this time. Though the UV Index begins to decline after midday, it remains significant at 11:00 AM and 9 by 2:00 PM. By the late afternoon, the numbers drop to 4 at 4:00 PM and further descend to 1 by 6:00 PM. Plan your sun exposure wisely, taking care to avoid the peak hours when protection is vital!
| 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 | 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 |
As the seasons change, the UV Index reflects significant variations in sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV Index remains in the high category, with a burn time of 25 minutes. The UV risk escalates sharply in March with a very high Index of 9, reducing burn time to 15 minutes, peaking in April, May, June, July, and August, where the Index hits an extreme level of 12 and the burn time decreases to just 10 minutes. After this peak, the risk gradually diminishes; during September and October, the Index returns to very high levels of 10 and 9, respectively, allowing 15 minutes of exposure before risking sunburn. As we approach November and December, the UV Index drops back to high and moderate levels of 7 and 5, with burn times extending to 25 and 30 minutes respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions during the high-risk months, particularly from March to August, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to mitigate the risk of 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 |
| Nanqiao | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 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 |