Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Guancheng, China, where the sun can be both a source of warmth and a potential risk for skin health. Awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and reduces the long-term effects of sun exposure, such as skin cancer. In Guancheng's Cwa climate, characterized by humid summers and mild winters, the UV Index can rise dramatically, peaking at 10 during midday hours. This makes vigilance essential, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, when UV exposure risks are highest. Safeguarding your skin is not just smart—it's essential for enjoying the great outdoors year-round!
As the sun rose at 07:00, the UV Index started low at 1, indicating minimal risk. However, by 09:00, the intensity increased to 5, suggesting a cautious approach for outdoor activities. The peak of the day arrived around 11:00 and 12:00, with the UV Index soaring to 10—a clear warning to seek shade and slather on sunscreen for protection. After this high point, the afternoon saw a gradual decline, with values dropping to 8 by 14:00 and falling further to 5 by 15:00. As evening approached, the UV Index continued to decrease, settling back to a more manageable 1 by 19:00. It was a day of sun exposure that highlighted the importance of UV awareness, especially during midday hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
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 |
| Guancheng | 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 |