Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Shangtuhai, China, where the sun’s intensity can pose significant risks to skin health. With UV levels peaking at 10 during midday hours, being aware of the UV Index not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also protects against long-term skin damage. Shangtuhai's semi-arid climate often leads to clear skies, increasing exposure to UV radiation. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing health risks.
The UV Index peaks during the midday sun, reaching a maximum of 10 at noon, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the index rises steadily from a mild 1 at 07:00 to an intensity of 9 by 11:00, prompting outdoor enthusiasts to stay protected. From 12:00 to 13:00, the UV Index remains at its highest, encouraging the use of sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing. Following this peak, it begins to dip gradually, falling to 4 by 16:00 and continuing to decrease to 1 by 19:00, when the day winds down and the sun begins to set. It's crucial to be mindful of these fluctuations and take necessary precautions during the peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | 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 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 |