Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Chengdu, China, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage, making sun safety a priority for residents and visitors alike. Chengdu's Cwa climate contributes to varying UV exposure throughout the year, with peak levels often reaching a striking 11 during midday. This highlights the importance of staying informed about the daily UV Index to enjoy the outdoors safely and maintain healthy skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 07:00, gradually escalating throughout the morning. By 10:00, it peaks at a robust 6, and then skyrockets to its maximum of 11 by 13:00—a time when protective measures become essential. The intensity starts to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 8 at 15:00, and further retreating to a gentle 1 by evening. It's a classic case of the sun's power, reminding us to stay vigilant and shield ourselves during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the late spring and summer months. January and December show moderate UV levels (Index 5 and 4, respectively), allowing for more extended exposure times of up to 30 minutes without risk of burning. However, as we move into February (Index 6, high) and especially March (Index 8, very high), the risk increases sharply, with burn times decreasing to 25 minutes and 15 minutes, respectively. The highest risk occurs from April to September, where the UV Index reaches extremes of 10 to 12, which means a burn time of just 10 minutes under direct sunlight. Visitors and residents should take necessary precautions during these high-risk months—particularly from May to August—by wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen, while seeking shade during peak hours to minimize exposure and prevent skin damage. As autumn approaches, October and November herald a drop in UV levels, allowing for more safe outdoor activities with increased burn times.
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 | 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 |