Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Chengguan, China, where the arid BWk climate leads to varying levels of sun exposure throughout the day. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn, protecting your skin health, and avoiding long-term damage. From the peak of 11 around 1 PM, the UV Index quickly escalates, presenting significant risks for those unprepared. Embracing this knowledge empowers you to enjoy the sun safely while reducing the potential for harmful effects—essential in a region known for its intense sunlight.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, signaling a mild increase in UV exposure. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00, where it reaches a striking 10, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. 13:00 sees an even higher point of 11, making it crucial for sun safety measures. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to descend—falling to 8 by 15:00 and tapering off to a more manageable 3 by 17:00. The day concludes with a soft decline, dropping back to 1 by 19:00. This hourly UVI data underscores the importance of protecting skin during the midday sun to prevent damage and ensure safety.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest exposure occurring from March to August. March and April see a sharp increase to a very high index of 8 and 9, respectively, which continues to climb to an extreme level of 11 in May, June, and July. August remains at a very high index of 10, followed by a decrease in September and October, where levels drop to 8 and 6. The high-risk months for UV exposure are March through August, where burn times decrease dramatically to as little as 10 minutes during the peak summer months. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautionary measures, especially during these high-risk periods, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to reduce the risk of skin damage. In contrast, January, February, November, and December present moderate to low UV levels, allowing for safer outdoor activities with much longer 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 |
| Chengguan | 3 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 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 |