Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Xuxiake, China, where the sun's intensity can pose significant risks, particularly during the peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM when levels can soar to a striking 11. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for safeguarding long-term skin health. With a Cfa climate characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters, Xuxiake faces unique challenges related to UV exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors responsibly and keep your skin safe from harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 2 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it ramps up to a moderate 4, signaling that it’s time to take precautions. The real intensity hits around 10:00 AM, peaking at a striking 9, and continues to reach its maximum of 11 during the lunchtime hours at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, dropping to 10 by 1:00 PM and 8 by 2:00 PM. As the evening approaches, the numbers dwindle further, with the index falling to 3 at 4:00 PM, and then tapering off dramatically to 0 by 7:00 PM. This hourly cycle serves as a crucial reminder to enjoy the sun responsibly and protect your skin during its 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 | 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 | 6 | high | 25 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, so do UV index levels, which can significantly affect sun safety for both visitors and residents. From January to March, UV exposure begins to intensify, with the index escalating from 5 to 8, indicating a shift from moderate to very high exposure. April through August are the highest-risk months, featuring UV indexes between 10 and 11, categorized as very high to extreme, with very short burn times of just 10 to 15 minutes. September sees a slight drop to a UV index of 10, maintaining very high exposure, while October and November lower the index to 6 and 7, categorized as high, allowing for improved but still cautious sun exposure. By December, the UV index falls to 4, marking a return to moderate levels. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the high-risk months, prioritizing sunscreen application, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term 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 |
| Xuxiake | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 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 |