Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Qixu, China, where the sunny, humid subtropical climate can pose significant risks to skin health. As the UV levels peak in the afternoon—reaching a remarkable 11 at noon—awareness of these indices is key to preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. With maximum exposure occurring from late morning to early afternoon, knowing how to protect yourself during these times can make all the difference in enjoying the vibrant outdoor activities that Qixu has to offer while safeguarding your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Stay informed and stay protected!
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 |
| Qixu | 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 |