Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Xihu, China, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps you prevent painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in reducing long-term skin damage and the risk of skin cancer. With a Cwa climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters, Xihu residents face significant UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the index can reach a dangerous level of 11 around noon. Stay informed and protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays by keeping an eye on the UV Index!
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun’s strength throughout the day. Starting at a modest 2 at 07:00, the index gradually climbs as the sun ascends, reaching 4 by 08:00. By 09:00, it spikes to 6, and before long, it peaks at an impressive 11 at 12:00, marking the most intense exposure. The afternoon starts to cool slightly, with the index dropping to 10 by 13:00 and then tapering off through 8 at 14:00, 6 at 15:00, and back to 4 at 16:00. As the sun begins its descent, the UV Index falls to 2 by 17:00, lingering at 1 through the evening hours, creating a gentle reminder to enjoy the sun but also to stay mindful of its intensity during peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | 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 | 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, UV levels are moderate (UV Index 3 to 5), allowing for 30 minutes of burn time without protective measures. As spring approaches in March, the UV Index rises to 7, signifying high exposure risks, with a reduced safe exposure time of 25 minutes. The intensity peaks during the summer months, particularly in July, when the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 11, cutting burn time down to just 10 minutes. May, June, and August also present very high risks, with a UV Index of 10 and a burn time of only 15 minutes. As autumn arrives in September and October, conditions remain very high to high, respectively, offering 15 to 25 minutes of safe exposure time. The year closes out with moderate UV levels again in November and December at indices of 5 and 3, allowing 30 minutes of burn time. Visitors and residents should take precautions during the high-risk months—specifically from March to October—by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and limiting direct sun exposure during peak hours to safeguard against skin damage.
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 |
| Xihu | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 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 |