Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Sanhekou, China, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin’s health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels is crucial, especially during the peak hours when the sun's rays can be most intense, as seen in our local climate characterized by hot summers and high humidity (Cfa zone). With midday UV Index readings soaring to 12 and 13—indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure—it's vital to take precautionary measures. By regularly checking the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful sunny days while effectively protecting yourself from potential skin damage.
The UV Index rises sharply as the day progresses, peaking in the early afternoon. At 07:00, it starts at a mild 1, but by 09:00, it escalates to 5, signaling the arrival of more intense sunlight. 10:00 sees the index reach 8, and by 11:00, it hits a formidable 11, indicating high exposure risk. Just one hour later, the UV Index reaches its zenith at 12:00 with a striking 12, and the maximum is recorded at 13:00 at 13. However, after this peak, UV levels begin to descend, dropping to 11 by 14:00, and gradually falling to 8 at 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index dwindles to 5 by 16:00, and finally tapers off to 3 at 17:00, before returning to a safe 1 from 18:00 onwards. It's a day to heed sun safety, particularly during those intense midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | 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 Index levels vary significantly, indicating changing seasonal risks for skin damage. High-risk months typically span from March to September, with the most critical periods occurring from April to August, where the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 11 to 13 and the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. In contrast, January and February are marked as high-risk months as well, but with slightly less intensity (UV Index 6 and 7). Conversely, the fall and winter months (October to December) show a decline in UV exposure, with October being very high and December falling to a moderate level. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during the peak UV times, especially from late morning to early afternoon, to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term 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 |
| Sanhekou | 6 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 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 |