Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Baotou, China, especially considering the city’s semi-arid BSk climate, which can lead to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. Awareness of UV levels helps protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential to check daily UV forecasts. In Baotou, UV exposure peaks between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, when the index can soar to 11, indicating the highest risk. By taking the necessary precautions during these hours, you can enjoy the abundant sunshine while safeguarding your skin's health.
At 07:00, the UV Index begins its climb with a modest level of 1. By 08:00, it doubles to 2, signaling the start of a gradual increase in solar intensity. As the sun rises higher, the index swiftly escalates to 4 by 09:00 and reaches a brisk 7 at 10:00. The peak occurs at 12:00, hitting a notable 10, and it continues to soar, reaching its maximum of 11 by 13:00. After this midday peak, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 9 at 14:00 and gradually decreasing to 7 by 15:00. As the afternoon progresses, it further retreats to 5 at 16:00 and falls to 3 by 17:00, finally settling back to 1 at 18:00 and 19:00. This prompts a reminder to take essential sun protection during the day, especially when the index is at its highest!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 shows significant seasonal changes that require awareness from both visitors and residents. From January to February, the UV exposure remains in the moderate category (Index 3-4), allowing for a burn time of up to 30 minutes. However, as March approaches, the index climbs to high at 6, reducing safe exposure to 25 minutes. The months of April through August are crucial high-risk periods, with April and May classified as very high (UV Index 9-10), and June and July reaching extreme levels (UV Index 11), where safe exposure diminishes to just 10 minutes. The UV Index begins to taper off in September at 8 very high and October at 6 high, before descending to moderate in November (UV Index 3) and low in December (UV Index 2), where one can safely spend 45 minutes in the sun. To protect oneself during high-risk months, it is advisable to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen, and limit sun exposure, particularly during peak hours.
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 |
| Baotou | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 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 |
| 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 |