Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Shunzhou, China, where the subtropical highland climate can lead to dangerously high UV exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for promoting long-term skin health—especially during peak hours when the UV Index reaches its zenith, such as midday when it can soar to 14. With typical daily UV fluctuations highlighting just how quickly exposure risks can escalate, staying informed is key to enjoying the beautiful sun while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index data reveals a dramatic increase in sun exposure as the day unfolds. Starting at a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, the index begins to climb gradually, reaching 3 by 9:00 AM. However, as the sun rises higher, the UV Index peaks at a striking 14 by 1:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, it gradually decreases, settling at 4 by 5:00 PM and finally tapering back to 1 by 7:00 PM. It's crucial to protect your skin, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, as this is when the UV radiation is most intense!
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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes reveal significant fluctuations in UV Index levels, peaking in the summer months. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from March to October, where the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels of 11 to 15, with a particularly critical period from May to August. During these months, the recommended burn time is a mere 10 minutes, urging both visitors and residents to take substantial precautions against skin damage. As the seasons transition into late autumn and winter, the risk decreases, with lower UV Index levels in January, February, November, and December, although the very high readings in February and November still warrant attention. It is advisable for everyone to use broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during the peak sun hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to minimize health risks associated with 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 |
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 |
Shunzhou | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 7 |