Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Zhangjiajie, China is crucial for ensuring your skin's health and preventing painful sunburns, especially during the peak hours of sun exposure. With the region's Cfa climate, characterized by hot summers and ample sunshine, the UV levels can soar, with a maximum reading of 13 around midday. This knowledge is vital not just for outdoor enthusiasts exploring Zhangjiajie's breathtaking landscapes but for anyone wanting to safeguard their skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. By monitoring the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun protection and enjoy your time in this remarkable destination to the fullest.
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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest values occurring from April to August, when the index reaches extreme levels of 12 to 13. Specifically, March marks the transition into very high levels, while April through July represent the peak risk months for UV exposure, where burn times drop to as little as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during these months, ensuring adequate protection such as sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, as even brief exposure can lead to skin damage. As summer wanes, UV levels decrease but remain high into September and October, with burn times of 15 minutes, followed by a slight reduction in November and December, which see less concerning levels. It's advisable to stay informed about the UV index daily to manage sun safety effectively throughout the year.
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 |
| Zhangjiajie | 6 | 7 | 8 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 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 |