Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Gongdao, China, where the sun’s rays can be particularly intense. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 during midday, awareness of these readings is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. In Gongdao’s humid subtropical climate, the risk of harmful UV exposure is elevated, especially in the summer months. By staying informed about the UV Index, locals can take proactive measures to enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding their skin from the potential dangers of overexposure.
The UV Index today unfolds dramatically as the sun rises, beginning at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM before peaking sharply at 11 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. The day starts to gain intensity at 9 by 10:00 AM, reaching a notable 10 an hour later, indicating a prime time for sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dropping back to 8 by 2:00 PM, then tapering off to 5 at 3:00 PM. By the late afternoon and into the evening, the pressure eases, falling to 3 at 4:00 PM and finally winding down to 1 by 6:00 PM and beyond. It's a stark reminder to stay sun-safe during the peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM, when the sun's rays pose the greatest risk.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, which indicates the strength of ultraviolet radiation. January and December feature moderate UV levels (index 4), allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes before burning. However, as early as February, the index rises to 6, marking the start of higher risk for skin damage with a burn time of just 25 minutes. The peak risk months occur mid-year, from June to August, when the index reaches an extreme level of 11, necessitating protective measures with a burn time of only 10 minutes. As fall approaches, September and October see a decline, though the UV Index remains very high (index 10 and 8 respectively), with 15 minutes of safe exposure. Residents and visitors should take precautions, especially during high-risk months, by seeking shade, wearing UV-blocking clothing, and applying sunscreen to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Gongdao | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| 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 |