Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Xunyang, China, where the Cwa climate brings with it distinct seasonal shifts and significant sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels can play a vital role in preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. During peak hours, particularly from 11 AM to 1 PM, the UV Index in Xunyang can reach as high as 11, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these daily UV fluctuations, you can better safeguard yourself against the harmful effects of sunlight and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, indicating varying risks for sun exposure. January and December offer moderate UV levels (Index 4), with longer burn times of 30 minutes, making sun protection less critical. However, from February onwards, the UV Index rises, reaching a high of 11 from May to August, marking these as extreme risk months where burn time drops to a mere 10 minutes. Likewise, March and April carry very high indices (8-10) with shorter burn times of 15 minutes. September and October also present significant UV risks before the levels taper off again. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures—such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking clothing—especially during the high-risk months from February through October. Staying informed about the UV Index can help ensure safer outdoor activities throughout the year.
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 |
| Xunyang | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 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 |