Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Hotan, China, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's arid BWk climate and intense sun exposure, understanding UV levels can make all the difference in preventing sunburn and long-term skin issues. During peak hours, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV Index can soar to 11, indicating extreme risk. By staying informed about these levels, locals and visitors alike can enjoy the sun while taking necessary precautions to protect their skin from harmful UV radiation.
The hourly UV Index reveals a sharp rise in sunlight intensity throughout the morning, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it climbs to 5, and by 11:00, it peaks at a striking 9. The highest levels occur during midday, with a maximum 11 reached from 12:00 to 13:00, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, settling back to 7 at 15:00 and further down to 1 by 19:00. For those enjoying outdoor activities, it’s crucial to stay sun-safe during the peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying risks for sun exposure. January and December see moderate levels (UV Index 3), allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes, while February remains similar with a slight increase (UV Index 4). The risk escalates dramatically from March through August, peaking during the summer months with extreme levels (UV Index 11) in June and July, where the burn time reduces to just 10 minutes. Notably, March to May marks a high-risk period due to very high ratings (UV Index 8-10). As summer transitions to early autumn, risk remains elevated in August and September (UV Index 9-10), with a burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant during these high-risk months, applying sunscreen regularly, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV exposure is strongest. As autumn progresses into October through November, UV levels decrease markedly, but moderate precautions should still be taken, especially in October. Overall, understanding these seasonal changes can help ensure safety and enjoyment in outdoor activities year-round.
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 |
| Hotan | 3 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 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 |