Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Xiaohai, China, where the sun's intensity can vary dramatically throughout the day. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 from late morning to early afternoon, being aware of these fluctuations is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. Xiaohai's Cfa climate—characterized by humid summers—poses increased risks for UV exposure, making it essential to check the UV Index daily and take appropriate precautions when enjoying the outdoors. Whether you're planning a leisurely stroll or an active day in the sun, staying informed about the UV Index can help you protect your skin and enjoy your time outside safely.
The UV Index data paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Beginning at 07:00, the index starts at a modest 2, gradually climbing to 4 by 08:00. As the sun rises higher, it peaks impressively at 11 between 11:00 and 13:00, reflecting the strongest ultra-violet rays of the day. From this zenith, the index begins to descend, dipping to 9 at 14:00, then tumbling down to 6 by 15:00 and continuing to decline, reaching 3 by 16:00. The evening hours show a gentle drop, concluding with a 1 at 18:00 and finally falling to 0 at 19:00, marking the day's end. To enjoy the outdoors safely, it's best to limit sun exposure during the peak hours of 11:00-13:00 when the UV levels are at their highest!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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, necessitating awareness for residents and visitors alike. January and December see a moderate UV Index of 4, with a burn time of 30 minutes, while February ramps up to a high index of 6 (25 minutes). The spring months (March and April) exhibit a marked increase, reaching a very high index of 8 and 9 respectively, with a burn time decreasing to 15 minutes. May and June maintain this very high level (UV Index 10), followed closely by the peak summer months of July and August, which reach an extreme UV Index of 11 and a quick burn time of only 10 minutes. As summer fades into fall, September returns to a very high level of 10, followed by October's high index of 7 (25 minutes). November drops back to moderate levels, ending the year with 5 in November and returning to 4 in December. Residents and visitors are urged to protect themselves during the high-risk months of March through September, particularly from July to August, by seeking shade, wearing protective 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 |
| Xiaohai | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 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 |