Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Loufan, China, where the climate can lead to heightened sun exposure and associated risks. With peak UV levels soaring to 12 during midday, awareness of these values is vital for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. Given Loufan's unique climate zone (Dwb), characterized by dry winters and warm summers, recognizing when UV rays are strongest can empower you to make informed choices about sun protection, ensuring you enjoy the outdoors safely.
The UV Index exhibits a dynamic rise and fall throughout the day, peaking dramatically in the early afternoon. Starting from a modest 1 at 07:00, it escalates to a moderate 3 by 08:00. The real intensity kicks in as it climbs to 5 at 09:00, then surges to 8 at 10:00. By 11:00, it reaches a striking 10, and at 12:00, it boasts an impressive 12, marking the day's zenith. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually decreases, holding steady at 11 at 13:00 and tapering to 10 at 14:00. The evening sees a gentle decline to 8 at 15:00, followed by a drop to 5 at 16:00. As daylight wanes, the UV Index sinks back to 3 at 17:00 and returns to 1 by 18:00, lingering at this low level until 19:00. This fascinating pattern underscores the importance of sun protection, particularly during the peak hours!
| 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 | 12 | 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, seasonal UV changes significantly impact skin safety, with the highest risk months being from April to August, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 10 to 12, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. April and May are particularly notable, with an Index hitting 10 and 11, respectively. Residents and visitors should be vigilant during these months: wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats, and limit sun exposure during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM). In contrast, lower UV Index levels occur in the winter months, with January and December showing a moderate index of 3. However, it's crucial to remain aware of changing conditions, as even moderate levels can cause skin damage with prolonged exposure. Prioritize skin health year-round by adjusting sun protection strategies according to the monthly UV index.
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 |
| Loufan | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 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 |