Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Xiangcheng, China, as it plays a significant role in safeguarding skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Cfa climate characterized by hot summers, awareness of rising UV levels—especially between 10 AM and 2 PM—is essential. Peak UV Index values can reach as high as 12 during this timeframe, indicating an increased risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By regularly monitoring these UV levels, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the outdoors safely while keeping your skin protected from potential damage.
The UV Index today tells a dramatic story of sunlight intensity as the day progresses. Starting off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, the sun begins its ascent and the index surges, reaching a moderate 3 by 8:00 AM. As we approach 9:00 AM, it climbs to 6, signifying that sunscreen might be wise. But the real heat kicks in at 10:00 AM with a striking 8, soaring to a peak of 12 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM—a serious warning to take protective measures. The afternoon sees a gradual decline as the index drops to 10 at 2:00 PM, and then steadily decreases through the later hours, settling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. Stay informed and protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 11 | 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit distinct seasonal changes, with high-risk months occurring from March to September. During this period, the UV index peaks at 12 from June to August, indicating extreme exposure, while May and September are also classified as extreme with indices of 11. Residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant during these months, as burn times shorten significantly—down to just 10 minutes in the peak summer months. It’s essential to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing when spending time outdoors. In contrast, October and November see a reduction in risk, though January and February still require caution due to high UV levels. Overall, staying informed and prepared will help minimize the risks associated with UV exposure throughout the year.
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 |
| Xiangcheng | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 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 |