Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Lijiang, China is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. With high UV levels, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, it’s vital to be aware of the sun’s intensity to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Lijiang, located in a Cwb climate zone, experiences significant variations in UV exposure, making it important for residents and visitors alike to take precautions during sunny days. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of Lijiang while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking dramatically as the day progresses. At 07:00, it starts at a gentle 1, remaining low until 09:00, when it ticks up to 3. But the real surge begins at 10:00, rocketing to 7 and reaching a critical point of 11 by 11:00. The intensity reaches a scorching 14 at 12:00 and hits its zenith at 13:00 with a blistering 16. Gradually, as the afternoon wanes, the index begins to decline, dropping to 15 at 14:00 and 13 by 15:00. As daylight fades, it settles down to 9 at 16:00, and then gently recedes to 5 by 17:00. The evening brings a much-needed respite, with levels dropping to 2 at 18:00 and returning to a safe 1 by 19:00. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours when the UV Index hits its highest marks!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 16 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels occurring from March through October, where values reach extreme levels of 12 to 16. February marks the transition into these intense months, with a very high index of 9, while November sees a return to very high levels as the year ends. The high-risk months for UV exposure are therefore March to October, where burn times are dramatically reduced to just 10 minutes or less. Visitors and residents should take precautions during this period by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly. In contrast, January and December return to a high exposure category with longer burn times of 25 minutes, marking these as relatively safer months but still requiring UV protection.
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 |
| Lijiang | 7 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 |