Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Qiukou, China, where the warm Cfa climate contributes to high sun exposure, especially during peak hours. As UV levels can soar to a hazardous 12 around midday, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and safeguarding overall skin health. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take informed precautions and enjoy the sun safely, ensuring that your time outdoors remains both enjoyable and healthy.
Starting with a modest UV Index of 2 at 7:00 AM, the morning sun quickly ramps up, reaching 3 by 8:00 AM. As the day progresses, the intensity peaks dramatically, hitting a scorching 12 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, with the sun blazing at its strongest around 11:00 AM with an index of 11. After the zenith, UV levels begin to decline, dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM and gradually easing to 6 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon transitions into evening, the index falls further to 4 at 4:00 PM, winding down to 1 by 6:00 PM and concluding the day at a safe 0 after sunset at 7:00 PM. It's crucial to stay sun-safe during those midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences notable fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest values occurring from March to September. During these months, particularly from May to August, the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 12, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure with a burn time as low as 10 minutes. High-risk months include March (9), April (10), and October (9), where the exposure is categorized as very high and the burn time is reduced to 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during these periods, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. As winter approaches, the UV index gradually decreases, with December recording a moderate level of 5, allowing for more relaxed sun exposure guidelines.
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 |
| Qiukou | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| 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 |