Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Shouxian, China, where sun exposure can significantly impact skin health. With UV levels peaking at 10 around midday, awareness is essential for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Shouxian's Cwa climate, characterized by hot summers, poses higher UV exposure risks, particularly during the sunniest hours. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs, reaching a more noticeable 3 by 8:00 AM. The real surge occurs between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it peaks at 10—a crucial time for sun protection. After that, it begins to gently decline, with 9 at 1:00 PM, 8 at 2:00 PM, and dropping further to 6 by 3:00 PM. As the sun starts its descent, the index sees a steady fall, ending at a comfortable 1 by 6:00 PM, making the later hours much safer for outdoor activities. Pay attention to the height of UV levels around midday for optimal sun safety!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, UV levels are moderate (UV Index 3 to 5), allowing for 30 minutes of burn time without protective measures. As spring approaches in March, the UV Index rises to 7, signifying high exposure risks, with a reduced safe exposure time of 25 minutes. The intensity peaks during the summer months, particularly in July, when the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 11, cutting burn time down to just 10 minutes. May, June, and August also present very high risks, with a UV Index of 10 and a burn time of only 15 minutes. As autumn arrives in September and October, conditions remain very high to high, respectively, offering 15 to 25 minutes of safe exposure time. The year closes out with moderate UV levels again in November and December at indices of 5 and 3, allowing 30 minutes of burn time. Visitors and residents should take precautions during the high-risk months—specifically from March to October—by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and limiting direct sun exposure during peak hours to safeguard against 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 |
| Shouxian | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 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 |