Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Hubei, China, where varying levels of sunlight can pose significant risks to skin health. With UV readings reaching a peak of 11 during midday, awareness of these levels is vital for sunburn prevention and long-term skin protection. Hubei's Dwb climate brings both humid summers and cold winters, but the intense sun exposure, particularly in the warmer months, can increase the likelihood of skin damage. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can embrace outdoor activities while safeguarding your skin against harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it jumps to 3, signaling an increase in sun intensity. The real peak arrives as the clock strikes 11:00 with a robust 10, continuing to soar to a maximum of 11 at 12:00, where caution is advised—especially for those spending extended time outdoors. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with the index lowering to 8 at 15:00, before dropping to 3 by 17:00. As the day winds down, the UV levels retreat to 1 from 18:00 onward, concluding a day of fluctuating sun exposure. To enjoy the outdoors safely, be mindful of those midday hours when sun protection is paramount!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal variation, highlighting varying levels of sun exposure risk. January and February present moderate risk (UV Index 3 and 5, respectively), with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring approaches, March escalates to high risk (UV Index 6) with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The summer months mark the peak UV exposure, reaching extreme levels with the highest index of 12 in July, where the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. April and May also present very high to extreme risks, making these months the most critical for sun exposure. August sees a slight decline, yet remains at an extreme level (UV Index 11). As fall arrives, the UV Index decreases, but September and October still pose very high and high risks, respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to take proactive sun protection measures from March through October, especially during the peak summer months to reduce the risk of skin damage, while remaining vigilant with protective clothing, sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. In contrast, November and December offer a more manageable risk, with lower UV indexes—making it safer for outdoor activities.
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 |
| Hubei | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 2 |
| 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 |