Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Shankou, China, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining optimal skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding the varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day helps residents and visitors protect themselves from harmful rays that can lead to long-term skin damage. With a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), Shankou experiences high UV levels, especially during peak hours like 12 PM, when the index soars to a staggering 13. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny outdoors while safeguarding your skin from the risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
At dawn, the UV Index starts off low, peaking at 1 at 07:00. As the morning unfolds, a noticeable increase is seen, reaching 3 by 08:00 and escalating further to 6 at 09:00. However, the sun truly makes its mark by 10:00, soaring to a maximum of 11 at 11:00 and peaking at a striking 13 by 12:00—a prime time to seek shade and apply sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity starts to wane, dropping to 12 at 13:00, and gradually declining to 10 by 14:00. The UV Index continues its downward trend, reaching 7 at 15:00, 5 at 16:00, and finally settling back to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. It’s a clear demonstration of how midday sun can be both powerful and potentially harmful.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | 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 |
Seasonal UV changes highlight a notable increase in UV exposure from January through July, peaking in July with a UV Index of 13 and an extreme exposure category, resulting in a necessary burn time of just 10 minutes. The months of April through August represent the high-risk period, where extreme UV levels demand heightened caution. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures during these months by wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. As summer fades into autumn, UV levels diminish gradually, but September and October still present a moderate risk that should not be overlooked.
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 |
Shankou | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 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 |