Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Urumqi, China, is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the peak summer months. As Urumqi experiences a BSk climate, characterized by dry conditions and abundant sunshine, awareness of UV levels can help residents and visitors alike navigate outdoor activities safely. With UV Index values soaring to 10 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, understanding when to seek shade or apply sunscreen becomes vital to minimizing risks associated with excessive sun exposure. Stay informed and protect your skin from harmful UV rays while enjoying Urumqi’s unique climate!
At dawn, the UV Index starts modestly at 2 at 7:00 AM. As the sun rises, the intensity quickly climbs, reaching 4 by 8:00 AM and peaking at an impressive 10 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. This period demands caution, as the midday sun delivers its strongest rays. By 2:00 PM, there's a slight decline to 9, which continues to taper off through the afternoon. As the day winds down, the UV Index drops to 6 at 3:00 PM and further down to 4 by 4:00 PM. The evening brings relief, with levels declining to 2 by 5:00 PM and settling at a comfortable 1 from 6:00 PM onward. Keep this trend in mind for safe sun exposure!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, impacting sun exposure and skin safety. January and December see a low UV Index of 2, allowing for safer outdoor activities with a burn time of 45 minutes. However, as we progress into February, the UV Index rises to 4 (moderate), with a burn time reduced to 30 minutes. The risk escalates sharply from March to April, where the UV Index reaches 6 (high) and 8 (very high), respectively, demanding more vigilant sun protection. The peak months of May through August experience extreme UV levels of 10 and 9, requiring minimized sun exposure with a mere 15 minutes burn time. After August, the risk gradually decreases, with September at 7 (high) and October at 5 (moderate). During the fall and winter months, residents and visitors should remain cautious but can enjoy the sun safely with proper precautions, especially during high-risk months of April through August. Always apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours to minimize UV exposure.
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 |
| UEruemqi | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 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 |