Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Xiangqiao, China, where exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays can lead to skin damage and an increased risk of sunburn. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 around midday, it's vital to be mindful of these fluctuations, especially during the sunniest hours. Given Xiangqiao’s humid subtropical climate (Cwa), the potential for intense UV exposure is heightened, underscoring the importance of taking protective measures for optimal skin health. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of skin-related issues.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its ascent with a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually increasing to a moderate 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, it reaches a noteworthy 5 at 9:00 AM, but the real intensity hits at 10:00 AM with a strong 7. By 11:00 AM, the UV levels soar to a peak of 10, continuing at an impressive 11 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM—the highest of the day. After this midday intensity, the numbers begin to wane, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM, then to 8 at 3:00 PM. The afternoon cools off slightly, falling to 5 by 4:00 PM, and ultimately settling back to 3 by 5:00 PM. As the day draws to a close, the UV Index gently slips to 1 by 6:00 PM, and remains there until 7:00 PM, indicating a safe return to evening activities.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels experience significant fluctuations, with high-risk months occurring primarily from March to October. The peak UV index reaches 11 during the summer months of June and July, categorizing these periods as extreme and necessitating urgent sun protection measures, where burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. As spring progresses, April and May also pose considerable risk with UV indexes of 9 and 10, respectively. Even during September and October, while still high, the index remains at 9 and 8, warranting caution. Conversely, winter months (January, February, November, and December) present lower risks, characterized by moderate levels and extended burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially during the high and extreme UV index months, to safeguard against skin damage and 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 |
| Xiangqiao | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 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 |