Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Gulou, China is essential for safeguarding skin health and preventing sunburn. The UV Index offers a clear indication of the sun's intensity throughout the day, allowing residents and visitors to make informed decisions about sun exposure. With Gulou's Cwa climate, characterized by hot summers and moderate rainfall, UV levels can soar, especially at midday when the index peaks at 11. Being aware of these fluctuations not only helps you enjoy the outdoors safely but also minimizes the long-term risks associated with harmful UV radiation.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, starting with a low reading of 1 at 7:00 AM, perfect for early risers enjoying the gentle sunlight. As the day progresses, the index climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 8:00 AM and hitting a notable 6 at 9:00 AM. Mid-morning sun lovers will feel the heat as it peaks at 11:00 AM with an impressive 10. The highest point arrives just before noon, soaring to 11 at 12:00 PM, indicating a critical hour for sun safety. Following this peak, the index gradually decreases, tapering to 8 at 2:00 PM and continuing its decline to 1 by the evening. This pattern underscores the importance of sun protection during the midday hours, while still allowing for safe enjoyment of the outdoors during low UV periods in the early morning and late afternoon.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with the highest indices occurring during the summer months. From March to August, the UV Index ranges from 6 to a peak of 11, categorizing these months as high to extreme risk for sun exposure. Notably, April, May, and June maintain very high to extreme levels, indicating a burn time as short as 10 to 15 minutes in peak conditions. The high-risk months for sunburn are therefore April through August. During these periods, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and long sleeves, especially during midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak. In the fall and winter months, the UV Index decreases significantly, returning to moderate levels in January, February, November, and December, where protection remains advisable, but the urgency lessens.
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 |
| Gulou | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 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 |