Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Wafangdian, China, where the risk of harmful sun exposure can vary throughout the day. As a considerate individual, being aware of UV levels not only helps you prevent sunburn, but also contributes significantly to maintaining your long-term skin health. With Wafangdian's distinct Dwa climate, the sun provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, yet it also poses potential risks during its peak hours, particularly between 10 AM and 12 PM when the UV Index soars to 11. Stay informed to protect yourself and indulge in the sun safely!
The UV Index readings throughout the day reveal a dramatic rise in sun intensity as the morning unfolds. Starting at 2 at 07:00, the index climbs steadily, peaking at a scorching 11 by noon and remaining high until around 13:00. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gently declines, dropping to 5 by 15:00 and further descending to 1 by the evening hours. This pattern highlights the importance of sun protection during midday, as the intense solar radiation can pose health risks. Stay safe and enjoy the sun wisely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index reflects significant seasonal changes, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. January and December have the lowest UV levels (Index 2, low exposure), allowing for 45 minutes of safe sun exposure. As spring approaches, February (Index 3, moderate) heightens the risk slightly, leading to a burn time of 30 minutes. The high-risk months emerge in late spring and summer: March (Index 6), April (Index 7), May (Index 8), and especially July (Index 11, extreme), which dramatically reduces safe exposure time to just 10 minutes. In August and September, UV levels remain very high (Index 9-10), necessitating caution during outdoor activities. Come October, the risk decreases to high (Index 6), while November and December return to low exposure levels. Visitors and residents should take necessary precautions during the high-risk months, particularly from May through July, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of UV-related harm.
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 |
| Wafangdian | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 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 |
| Shenzhen UVI | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |