Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for everyone living in Xiangyang, China, where sunny days are plentiful throughout the year. Monitoring UV levels helps protect against harmful skin effects, such as sunburns and long-term skin damage. During peak hours, particularly when the index soars to 11 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, the risk of overexposure increases significantly. With Xiangyang's humid subtropical climate (Cfa), residents should be especially vigilant about sun safety, making it essential to stay informed and proactive against UV-related health issues.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic picture of sun exposure. As early as 7:00 AM, the index starts at a mild 2, ramping up to a moderate 4 by 8:00 AM. The sun's intensity peaks around 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a striking 11, marking the height of caution for outdoor activities. As we move into the afternoon, the index gradually declines, dropping to 8 by 2:00 PM and further to 5 by 3:00 PM. The evening brings relief, with the UV Index decreasing to a 1 by 5:00 PM and finally hitting 0 by 7:00 PM. It’s clear that the midday hours pose the greatest risk, so sun safety measures are essential during those peak times.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, impacting sun exposure and the potential for skin damage. High-risk months typically fall between March and August, where the UV Index reaches its peak—March and April show a very high index of 8 and 10, while June through August hit extreme levels of 11 and 12. During these months, the burn time is drastically reduced, ranging from just 10 to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during these times by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and by seeking shade whenever possible. In contrast, the UV Index is at its lowest in December with a moderate level of 4. Overall, staying informed about UV levels can help to ensure safe outdoor experiences.
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 |
Xiangyang | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 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 |