Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Hancheng, China, where the sun's rays can be intense, especially during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In a city characterized by a Cwa climate, awareness of the UV levels can significantly impact sunburn prevention and overall skin health. With indices soaring to 10 during midday, it’s essential to recognize these levels to take proper precautions and enjoy the sun safely. Whether lounging outdoors or engaging in activities, being informed helps you protect your skin from harmful UV radiation and minimizes long-term risks.
The UV Index reveals an intriguing daily journey, starting from a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and gradually climbing to a peak of 10 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. As the sun reaches its zenith, precautions are essential to shield against the intense rays. The index then gently descends, dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM, followed by a gradual decline to 3 by 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV Index falls to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM, marking a notable end to the day. This pattern underscores the importance of sun safety strategies during midday hours when the ultraviolet intensity is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Seasonal UV changes indicate a significant rise in ultraviolet exposure as the year progresses. From March to September, the UV Index reaches its peak, categorizing these months as high-risk for sunburn, especially from April through August, when the UV Index consistently remains at 10 (very high). During these high-risk months, burn times decrease to just 15 minutes, emphasizing the need for protective measures. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially during peak sun hours. As we move into October and November, the UV Index falls, allowing for more moderate sun exposure with burn times of 25 and 30 minutes, respectively. Nonetheless, vigilance remains necessary throughout the year to mitigate UV-related health risks.
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 |
| Hancheng | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| 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 |