Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Gulou, China, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially in a region characterized by a Cwa climate, which features hot summers with intense sunlight. During peak hours, particularly around noon when the UV Index can soar to 11, residents and visitors must take extra precautions to safeguard themselves against harmful rays. By staying informed about UV exposure risks, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, perfect for early risers. By 8:00 AM, it increases to a moderate 3, hinting at the day ahead. Things heat up quickly, with the index peaking at an intense 11 around 12:00 PM, a reminder that sun protection is essential during midday. The UV levels maintain a strong presence, remaining at 10 at 1:00 PM before gradually tapering off to 9 by 2:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index drops to a cozy 6 at 3:00 PM and further descends to 4 by 4:00 PM. By the evening, the sun loses its intensity, with the index falling to 2 at 5:00 PM, and settling back to a safe 1 from 6:00 PM onward. This daily cycle underscores the importance of being sun smart, especially during peak hours!
| 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 | 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, 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 |