Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Zhongtie, China, especially in the context of its Dwc climate zone. With peak UV levels reaching a striking 15 around midday, awareness of these daily fluctuations is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. As the sun's intensity can vary dramatically throughout the day, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make a significant difference in protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation. Given Zhongtie's typical climate, residents face heightened exposure risks, making it imperative to stay informed about this vital environmental indicator.
The UV Index varies throughout the day, starting at a low level of 1 at 7:00 AM. As the morning progresses, it steadily rises, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM and climbing to 4 at 9:00 AM. The real intensity kicks in by 10:00 AM, hitting a peak of 8. The UV Index continues to soar, hitting an impressive 11 at 11:00 AM and 14 at 12:00 PM. The highest reading occurs at 1:00 PM, with a 15, indicating a very high level of UV radiation. From this peak, the index gradually declines to 14 by 2:00 PM, then 12 at 3:00 PM, followed by a steady decrease to 9 at 4:00 PM. As the sun begins to dip, the UV Index falls to 5 at 5:00 PM, 3 at 6:00 PM, and back to a 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s a day to enjoy the sunshine, yet precautions are essential during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest risk occurring from March to September. During these months, the UV Index reaches its peak, particularly in May and June with an extreme index of 14 and 15, respectively, resulting in a burn time of only 10 minutes. Conversely, January and December see the lowest UV Index values of 4, categorized as moderate, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious in April and May, as the extreme UV levels demand protective measures like wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing, and minimizing sun exposure during peak hours. Remember that even on cloudy days, UV rays can still cause harm, so consistent protection is essential year-round.
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 |
| Zhongtie | 4 | 6 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 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 |