Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Hongguang, China, where the climate can lead to heightened exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays. With peak UV levels reaching an alarming 11 during midday, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with sun exposure, including sunburn and long-term skin health issues. Knowing the UV Index helps you take proactive measures to protect your skin, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely. As a city situated in a Cfa climate zone, Hongguang experiences distinct seasonal variations, but the intense midday UV radiation remains a significant concern year-round. Stay informed and safeguard your skin by understanding the UV levels each day!
From 07:00 to 19:00, the UV Index experiences a dynamic climb, peaking sharply at 12:00 with a high of 11. Early morning hours start low, with a manageable 2 at 07:00, but as the sun ascends, the intensity increases. By 10:00, the index reaches 8, highlighting a need for sun protection. The critical hour arrives at 11:00, where the index hits 10, indicating very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After the midday peak, a gradual decline begins, with values dropping to 5 by 15:00, and continuing down to 0 by evening at 19:00. This pattern emphasizes the importance of sun safety measures, especially during those peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, significantly impacting sun safety. January starts with a UV Index of 4, categorized as moderate, allowing for approximately 30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. This rises sharply through February and March, reaching 6 (high) and 8 (very high), respectively, with burn times dropping to 25 and 15 minutes. The peak months, July and August, see an extreme UV Index of 11, where the burn time is reduced to a mere 10 minutes. As fall approaches, the UV Index decreases to 10 in September, then 8 in October. By November and December, the UV Index returns to 6 and 4, respectively, allowing for safer exposure times of 25 and 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant during the high-risk months of March to October, especially in the peak summer months, and take appropriate precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade 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 |
| Hongguang | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 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 |