Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Chengdu, China, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and reduces the long-term risk of skin damage. With Chengdu's humid subtropical climate, residents and visitors alike experience significant UV exposure, particularly during the summer months. The UV Index often peaks at 11 around noon, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sunshine while keeping your skin safe!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear peak in intensity around midday. Starting with a low of 1 at 07:00, it gradually increases, reaching 2 by 08:00. The sun’s rays grow more potent as the day progresses, hitting 4 at 09:00, followed by a notable rise to 6 by 10:00. The intensity continues to escalate, peaking at an impressive 11 between 12:00 and 14:00, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index decreases, falling to 9 at 15:00, and further dropping to 3 by 17:00, before tapering off to 1 by 19:00. It's essential to stay protected during those peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 |