Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Decheng, China, where sun exposure can pose significant health risks. As the city experiences a Cwa climate, characterized by hot summers, it's essential to be aware of daily UV levels, especially when they reach their peak at noon with an index of 10. High UV levels can lead to sunburns and increase the risk of skin damage over time, making it vital for the community to take precautions. With a typical morning UV Index starting low and peaking midday, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can help protect your skin and maintain overall health.
Throughout the day, the UV Index displays a dynamic progression in its intensity. Starting gently at 2 by 7:00 AM, it steadily rises, reaching 3 by 8:00 AM. The sun's influence becomes more pronounced by 9:00 AM, hitting a 5, and peaks at an impressive 10 at 12:00 PM, indicating a strong potential for sunburn. After this zenith, the index begins to taper off, sliding back to 9 at 1:00 PM and then 7 at 2:00 PM. As the afternoon unfolds, it gradually declines to 5 by 3:00 PM, before settling at 2 by 5:00 PM. The day winds down with a peaceful 1 by 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, urging a gentle reminder to guard against those midday rays while enjoying the sunshine.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, the UV Index varies significantly, indicating the level of sun exposure risk throughout the year. From January to March, the UV Index increases from 3 to 6, marking a shift to higher exposure levels. April through August sees particularly high UV levels, peaking at 11 in July, categorized as extreme, with burn times dropping to an alarming 10 minutes. The risk remains very high in May, June, and August, necessitating precautions such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. As summer transitions to autumn, the UV Index begins to decline, falling to 7 in October; however, it remains important to stay vigilant. By November and December, UV levels drop significantly, reaching a low of 2, where exposure is less of a concern. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra care during the high-risk months of April to August, employing sun protection practices to mitigate health risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.
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 |
| Decheng | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 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 |