Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Shangtuhai, China, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's climate classified as BSk, residents and visitors alike should be mindful of the high UV levels, particularly between 11:00 and 13:00, when readings peak at 11. Understanding UV Index ratings empowers individuals to make informed decisions about sun safety, enabling them to enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing the risks of harmful exposure. Knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is essential in this sunlit locale where the potential for skin damage is significant.
The UV Index shows a dramatic rise as the sun climbs in the sky, peaking at 11 between noon and 1 PM, indicating an exceptionally high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Starting the day low at a mere 1 at 7 AM, it steadily increases to 3 and then 5 by 9 AM, setting the stage for the intense midday sun. As it reaches 10 at 11 AM, it signals to outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade or don protective gear. The index begins to wane after 1 PM, dropping to 10 at 2 PM, and declining further to 3 by 5 PM, before settling back to 1 after 6 PM. To stay safe under the scorching sun, be sure to take precautions during those peak 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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, UV levels experience significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. January and December have a low UV Index of 2, allowing for longer exposure times without risk of burning (45 minutes). As spring approaches, February sees a moderate increase (UV Index 4, 30 minutes burn time) and by March, the UV Index rises to 6 (high), reducing safe exposure to 25 minutes. The period from April to August is particularly critical, with UV levels reaching their highest at 11 for three consecutive months, which corresponds to an extreme exposure category and a burn time of just 10 minutes. September declines slightly but remains in the very high category with a UV Index of 8. October and November see further reduction, dropping to moderate levels (UV Index 4, 30 minutes) and then back to low by December. To ensure safety, visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during April to August by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen to mitigate the higher risk of skin damage during these months.
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 |
| Shangtuhai | 2 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 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 |
| 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 |