UV Index in Shanghai, China

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Shanghai, China, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the tendency for UV levels to peak during the day—reaching as high as 12 around noon—awareness of these levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Shanghai’s humid subtropical climate means residents and visitors must remain vigilant about UV exposure, especially during the long summer days. By checking the UV Index regularly, you can make informed decisions about sun safety and ensure that your time outdoors is both enjoyable and protective.

Hourly UV Index in Shanghai

At dawn, 7:00 AM, the UV Index is a mild 2, perfect for enjoying the early morning. As the day progresses, the intensity ramps up dramatically, peaking at 12:00 PM with a striking 12—the sun is at its fiercest, urging everyone to seek shade and stay protected. The UV Index begins to gradually decline after this peak, dipping to 10 at 1:00 PM and 8 by 2:00 PM, making the afternoon still quite bright but less intense. By the late afternoon, the UV levels drop further to 5 at 3:00 PM and continue to decrease, reaching a gentle 1 at 5:00 PM and maintaining that level into the evening hours until it finally settles at 0 after sunset at 7:00 PM. Overall, it's essential to be mindful of sun exposure during the height of the day!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	2	low	45 min
08:00	4	moderate	30 min
09:00	7	high	25 min
10:00	9	very high	15 min
11:00	11	extreme	10 min
12:00	12	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	1	low	45 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Shanghai

Throughout the year, UV exposure fluctuates significantly, with the highest risks occurring during the late spring and summer months. From March to August, the UV Index rises sharply, peaking at 12 in July, categorized as extreme, which corresponds to a burn time of just 10 minutes. Notably, April, May, June, July, August, and September are classified as very high to extreme risk months, where protective measures are crucial. Residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant during these months, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and minimizing sun exposure during peak hours. Conversely, January, February, and December see lower UV levels, with moderate exposure requiring less stringent precautions. However, awareness remains essential year-round to prevent skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Shanghai, China

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Shanghai. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Shanghai, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Shanghai UV Index with Other China Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Shanghai compares to other major locations across China. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Shanghai's solar exposure compared to other cities in China. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Chengdu UVI	5	6	8	10	12	11	11	10	11	8	6	4
Shanghai	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