Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Nanjing, China, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially in a city where summer days can see UV readings soar above 10, peaking at a staggering 13 around noon. Given Nanjing's humid subtropical climate, residents and visitors alike should be vigilant about sun exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM when the risks are highest. Stay informed and take proactive measures to enjoy the sunshine safely!
From the early morning hours, the UV Index steadily rises, beginning at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, it reaches 3 by 8:00 AM before surging to 6 at 9:00 AM. The peak occurs between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, with an intense UV Index of 12 at 11:00 AM and a maximum of 13 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index starts to decline, dropping to 11 at 2:00 PM, then to 8 by 3:00 PM, and further down to 5 at 4:00 PM. Finally, as the sun sets, the risk decreases significantly, ending the day at 1 by 6:00 PM, illustrating a classic curve of sun intensity throughout the day. Remember to take precautions during the peak hours to protect your skin!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. January starts with a high exposure category (UV Index 7) and a burn time of 25 minutes, but by February, the index rises to 9, indicating very high risk with a reduced burn time of 15 minutes. The spring months, particularly March and April, see the index escalate to 12 (extreme risk), where burn times drop to 10 minutes. This trend continues into the summer, with May through August maintaining an extreme index of 13. September witnesses a slight decrease to 12 before dropping to 10 in October (very high), with November at 8 (very high) and December returning to 7 (high) with longer burn times of 25 minutes. Notably, the high-risk months are from February to September, when the UV exposure is particularly intense. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of overexposure.
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 |
| 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 |
| Nanjing | 7 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Shenzhen UVI | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |