Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Zhoukou, China, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin's health and preventing sunburn. Understanding daily UV levels helps residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun protection, especially during the peak hours of UV radiation. The Cfa climate of Zhoukou, characterized by hot summers and significant sun exposure, poses unique risks that can lead to serious skin damage if not properly managed. As the UV Index reaches a maximum of 12 around noon, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in maintaining healthy skin while enjoying the outdoors.
The UV Index for the day showcases a dynamic rise and fall in intensity, peaking at 12 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, indicating a time when sun protection is crucial. The day starts off with a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a moderate 5 by 9:00 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index escalates sharply, hitting 10 by 11:00 AM and maxing out at 12 at noon. After this peak, the intensity begins to decline, with 10 at 2:00 PM, tapering down to 7 by 3:00 PM, and gradually diminishing to 1 by 7:00 PM. It's a vivid reminder to stay mindful of sun exposure during the midday hours when the sun's rays are strongest!
| 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 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 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, 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 |
| Zhoukou | 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 |