Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Zhengzhou, China, where the warm Cfa climate often leads to heightened sun exposure risks. Awareness of UV levels is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health, especially during peak hours when the index reaches 11. With dramatic fluctuations throughout the day—ranging from 2 in early morning to a significant 10 around noon—Zhengzhou residents should stay informed to protect themselves from harmful effects of the sun. By being mindful of the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding your skin!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index begins its ascent, signaling the need for sun protection. Starting at a mild 2 at 07:00, it climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 08:00. The real intensity kicks in by 09:00, peaking at a striking 11 by noon. This is the moment when overexposure can become a concern, urging everyone to slather on that sunscreen. For the rest of the afternoon, the UV Index remains high until 15:00, when it gradually declines, settling back to a safe 2 by 17:00. As daylight wanes, the risks diminish with the index dropping to a mere 1 by 19:00. It’s a vivid reminder of the sun's power—choose your outdoor activities wisely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | 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 | 1 | 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 |
| Zhenzhou | 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 |