Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Bagan, China, where the sun's intensity can dramatically affect skin health and increase the risk of sunburn. With maximum UV levels peaking at an alarming 17 between noon and 2 PM, recognizing how and when to protect yourself becomes essential. The high-altitude climate of Bagan, typical of its ET classification, fosters a unique environment that amplifies UV exposure risks. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the sun safely without compromising your skin's wellbeing.
From the early hours of the day, the UV Index starts gently at 1 at 07:00 and rises slowly to 3 by 09:00. However, the real intensity hits between 10:00 and 14:00, where it peaks dramatically at a scorching 17. The maximum UV Index of 14 occurs at 12:00, making midday the most critical time for sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, it starts to decline, dipping back down to 7 by 17:00, before settling to a more manageable 2 by 19:00. It's essential to stay protected during those high UV hours, particularly around noon!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 17 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 17 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
16:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
17:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
18:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV radiation levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with the highest UV Index values occurring from February to October. The most critical months for sun exposure include March through October, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 19 in May. During these months, the recommended burn time is as low as 10 minutes, indicating a high risk of skin damage. In contrast, January, February, November, and December show lower levels of UV exposure, classified as high or very high, with longer burn times of 15 to 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours from late morning to early afternoon in high-risk months. Being mindful of these UV changes can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
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 |
Bagan | 6 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 6 |