Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Xi'an, China, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index indicates the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which can lead to painful sunburns and long-term skin damage if not properly managed. With Xi'an's Dwa climate, characterized by hot summers and significant sun exposure, understanding your UV levels becomes even more essential, especially during peak hours when values can soar up to 10. By being informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the sunshine while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
The UV Index rises steadily throughout the morning, reaching its peak at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a value of 10—indicating very high UV exposure. Early risers will see a more moderate index of 2 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 6 by 9:00 AM. As the sun hits its zenith, it's crucial to take precautions, especially around the noon hour. By the afternoon, the index begins to decline, dropping to 5 at 3:00 PM, then falling to 1 by 6:00 PM and remaining there until sunset. Remember to protect your skin during the peak hours when the sun's rays are strongest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | 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 |
The seasonal UV changes reveal a notable increase in UV Index values from winter to summer, peaking in July and August at 10, indicating very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. January and December have the lowest UV Index values of 2, signifying a low risk with a longer burn time of 45 minutes. The high-risk months are March through August, particularly April to July, when UV levels are very high, necessitating caution. Visitors and residents should take necessary precautions during these peak months, such as wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours, to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xi'an | 2 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |
| Shenzhen UVI | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |