Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Shangri-La, China, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. The UV Index provides valuable insights into the strength of ultraviolet radiation on any given day, helping residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun protection. Understanding these UV levels is essential not just for preventing painful sunburns, but also for reducing the long-term risks of skin damage and various skin conditions. Located in a Cwc climate zone, Shangri-La experiences high-altitude sunlight that can result in significant UV exposure, peaking at 15 between 1 PM and 3 PM. Being aware of this index can help you enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Shangri-La while keeping your skin healthy and protected.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it ramps up to 4, marking the day’s engagement with UV rays. The real intensity hits by 11:00 AM, soaring to a peak of 11, and surging further to an almost blistering 14 by midday. The afternoon sees the index hit its highest at 15 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, reminding us to seek shade and protect our skin. As the sun begins to retreat, the UV Index gracefully descends, dropping to 12 at 3:00 PM, and easing down to 5 by 5:00 PM. Finally, as the evening draws near, it wanes back to 1 by 7:00 PM, providing a gentle reminder of the day's solar journey. Remember, while enjoying the sunshine, staying sun-safe is key!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The seasonal UV index reveals notable fluctuations throughout the year, with peak levels occurring from March to October, where the index remains consistently in the extreme category (11-16) and requires a burn time of just 10 minutes for fair-skinned individuals. January and November present very high exposure levels, while December offers a high level with a burn time of 25 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are therefore from February to October, particularly from April to August, when protective measures are essential. Visitors and residents are advised to take adequate precautions, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize skin damage and ensure safety during these high-risk periods.
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 |
| Shangri-La | 9 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 |