Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Nanjing, China, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With Nanjing's Cfa climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, UV exposure can be particularly intense during peak hours. On a typical day, UV levels can soar to an alarming 13 around noon, making it essential to stay informed about daily fluctuations. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself from harmful UV rays and ensure a safer outdoor experience. Stay smart about sun safety, and enjoy all that Nanjing has to offer with confidence!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate 3, but the real intensity kicks in after 9:00 AM when it reaches 6. The peak occurs between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, soaring to a blistering 12 and hitting a maximum of 13 at noon, indicating a serious need for sun protection. The intensity gradually diminishes in the afternoon, dropping to 10 by 2:00 PM and then sliding down to 4 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index traces back to 2 at 5:00 PM and finally settles at 1 by 7:00 PM, welcoming the cool embrace of evening. Staying vigilant about sun safety is crucial during peak hours from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | 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 |