Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Shuyuan, China, where the subtropical climate can lead to significant sun exposure risks. As sunlight intensity varies throughout the day, awareness of UV levels is key to preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health. With peak UV readings reaching as high as 12 during midday, it’s important to take protective measures, especially when outdoor activities are planned. Keep in mind that Shuyuan's typical climate brings both sunny days and the potential for harmful UV radiation, making it essential to stay informed and protect your skin from damage.
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!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
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.
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 |
| Chengdu UVI | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Shuyuan | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 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 |