Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Gaotang, China, as it serves as a vital tool for safeguarding your skin against harmful solar radiation. With typical UV exposure peaking around midday, when the Index reaches a high of 11, being aware of UV levels can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Gaotang's Cwa climate features hot summers, which may elevate UV risk, making it essential to protect yourself during peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Stay informed, and enjoy the sun safely!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reaches its peak during the late morning and early afternoon hours. Starting at a modest 2 by 07:00, the intensity steadily climbs, hitting 3 by 08:00 before surging to 6 by 09:00. The sun truly asserts itself around 10:00, where the index soars to 8, and by 11:00, it hits a striking 11—the maximum for the day. This intense UV exposure remains consistent until 13:00, when conditions maintain an index of 11. Gradually, the UV rays start to wane, dropping to 9 by 14:00, then further declining to 6 at 15:00. In the late afternoon and evening, the index recedes to 4 at 16:00, followed by 2 at 17:00, tapering off to a gentle 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. It's a perfect reminder to stay vigilant about sun protection during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV Index remains moderate (3-4), allowing for about 30 minutes of sun exposure without risk of burning. Transitioning into March, the index rises to 6 (high), reducing safe exposure to 25 minutes. The real risk emerges from April to August, when the index spikes, peaking in July at 11 (extreme), with a mere 10 minutes of safe exposure, highlighting this as a high-risk month for sunburn and skin damage. Following this peak, the index gradually declines from August to October, maintaining a very high category before falling back to moderate levels in the late fall and winter. To ensure safety, visitors and residents are advised to practice sun safety, particularly during the high-risk months of April through August, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly.
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 |
| Gaotang | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 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 |