Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Sankou, China, where the subtropical climate can lead to significant sun exposure, particularly during the warmer months. Monitoring UV levels helps individuals protect themselves against harmful rays that can cause sunburn and long-term skin damage. With peak UV Index readings reaching as high as 11 around noon, awareness of these levels is essential for ensuring skin health and minimizing risks associated with overexposure to sunlight. As Sankou experiences varying UV exposure risks throughout the day, staying informed can empower you to enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a classic pattern of increasing and decreasing sun exposure. Starting with a gentle 2 at 07:00, it gradually climbs to a moderate 4 by 08:00. The sun gains strength rapidly, peaking at an intense 11 during the midday hours (12:00) before slightly tapering off to 10 at 13:00. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity lessens, dropping to 7 by 14:00. By 15:00, it falls to 5, and later, the sunshine recedes further, reaching 2 and 1 by late afternoon and evening (17:00 to 19:00), urging caution as dusk approaches. For those planning outdoor activities, staying protected during the peak hours of 10:00 to 14:00 is essential!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the most intense exposure occurring in the summer months. From June to August, the UV Index reaches its peak at 11, falling into the extreme category, where burn time is merely 10 minutes. Conversely, from January to March, the levels are moderate, ranging from 3 to 7, requiring 30 minutes to burn. Notably, the high-risk months are April through September, during which the index continually exceeds 8, indicating a need for strong sun protection measures. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen during peak hours, particularly from late spring to early fall, to mitigate the risks associated with overexposure.
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 |
| Sankou | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| 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 |