Last updated: June 2, 2025
Staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Xiangshan, China, where the sun's intensity can pose significant health risks, especially regarding skin protection. Understanding UV levels is essential not just for sunburn prevention but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), Xiangshan experiences high UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the index peaks at an intense 11. This knowledge empowers individuals to take proactive measures against harmful effects, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
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 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 |
| Xiangshan | 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 |