Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Xiexiong, China, where the climate falls in the ET zone, characterized by unique weather patterns and varying sun exposure throughout the year. Being aware of UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health, especially when midday readings can spike to an alarming 16—putting you at significant risk for skin damage. Whether enjoying outdoor adventures or simply soaking up the sun, knowing when to seek shade or slather on sunscreen can make all the difference in staying safe under Xiexiong's bright skies.
The UV Index data for the day paints a vibrant picture of sun intensity as it climbs to its zenith. Starting from the early hours, the index is low at 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, perfect for morning strolls. By 09:00, it rises to 3, signaling a gentle increase in sun exposure. However, as the clock ticks towards 10:00, the UV Index soars to 6, and by 11:00, it reaches a striking 10—a threshold where caution is advised. The peak occurs at 12:00, hitting an impressive 14, and it lingers close to this high throughout early afternoon, maxing out at 16 at both 13:00 and 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the index begins its graceful descent, dropping to 11 by 16:00, steadily sliding to 7 by 17:00, and further down to 4 and 2 by the evening. This fluctuating pattern serves as a reminder to stay protected during the midday hours, when the sun's rays are at their most vigorous!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months typically occurring from February to November, where the UV Index often reaches extreme levels. In March and April, the UV Index peaks at 15 and 17, respectively, while May sees a staggering 20. As summer approaches, the index remains extremely high until autumn, with only slight decreases noted from July to October. Notably, January and December exhibit lower UV levels, categorized as high, allowing for longer safe exposure times. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during high UV months, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen with high SPF, particularly during the peak hours of sun exposure. Staying informed about the UV index can greatly contribute to minimizing the risk of 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 |
| 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 |
| Xiexiong | 7 | 10 | 15 | 17 | 20 | 19 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 13 | 11 | 7 |