Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Turpan, China, where the intense desert climate exposes individuals to higher levels of ultraviolet radiation. With UV levels peaking at 10 around midday, awareness of these numbers can play a vital role in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, particularly during the sweltering summer months. As the sun's rays become more dangerous, being informed about UV exposure risks helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in this beautiful but arid region. Whether you're exploring the ancient Silk Road sites or relaxing in the sun, keeping an eye on the UV Index will help you protect yourself from harmful effects.
The UV Index for the day showcases a significant rise in solar intensity as the morning progresses. Starting from a mild 2 at 07:00, it escalates to a notable 10 by 11:00, peaking again at 12:00. This midday spike urges sun safety awareness, as the intensity then gradually dips to 9 by 13:00. Post-lunchtime, a swift decline brings it down to 8 at 14:00, followed by a gentle drop to 5 at 15:00. The evening brings a welcome reprieve, where the index slides to 2 by 17:00 and settles at 1 by 19:00. It's a perfect reminder to stay protected during the peak hours, especially between 10:00 and 12:00 when the sun's rays are at their strongest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, peaking in the summer months. From January to February, the UV Index rises gradually from 2 (low risk) to 4 (moderate risk), allowing for approximately 45 minutes of safe sun exposure. However, this quickly escalates by March, reaching 7 (high risk), and hits a critical high of 10 (very high risk) from May to July, where the burn time plummets to just 15 minutes. August and September remain hazardous with UV Index levels at 9 and 8, respectively, before dipping back to moderate levels of 5 and 3 in October and November. December sees the risk return to low, similar to January. To safeguard against harmful UV exposure, visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures—such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses—especially during the high-risk months of March through September.
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 |
| Turpan | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 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 |