Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Xiangyang, China, particularly given its climate zone (Cwb), which can lead to significant sun exposure throughout the year. As the sun's rays can intensify, particularly around midday, being aware of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. With peak UV Index readings reaching as high as 14 during the summer months, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make a world of difference. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the warm climate of Xiangyang while safeguarding your skin from UV-related damage.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a dramatic rise and fall, peaking at a scorching 14 at 1 PM. Early hours start off with a gentle UV Index of 1 at 7 AM, gradually increasing to 2 by 8 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity surges, reaching 4 at 9 AM, followed by a notable jump to 7 at 10 AM and an intense 11 at 11 AM. The maximum UV exposure occurs at 12 PM, registering 13, before slightly tapering off to 14 just an hour later. The afternoon sees a decline, with readings falling to 11 at 3 PM and then down to 7 by 4 PM. As day turns to evening, the UV Index gently retreats, returning to 1 by 7 PM. It's a day that highlights the importance of sun safety, particularly during those midday hours!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure fluctuates significantly, with high-risk months occurring from February to October. The UV Index peaks in July at 15, categorized as extreme, demanding a burn time of just 10 minutes. March, April, May, June, August, and September also fall under the extreme category, with UV Index readings of 11 to 14, necessitating careful sun protection strategies. Conversely, January and December feature high UV Index levels of 7 and 6, respectively, with longer burn times of 25 minutes. The very high index is noted in February and November. Visitors and residents should be vigilant throughout the year, especially during the extreme months, adopting effective sun safety practices such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| Xiangyang | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 6 |