Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Bipu, China, where the subtropical climate (Cfa) can lead to significant sun exposure throughout the year. With UV levels reaching a peak of 11 around midday, it’s vital to be aware of these fluctuations to protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage. By learning how to interpret UV Index readings, you can make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring skin health for you and your family. In Bipu, where sunny days are a common feature, recognizing the risks associated with high UV levels can help you enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing your exposure during those critical hours.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 2 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it ramps up to a moderate 4, signaling that it’s time to take precautions. The real intensity hits around 10:00 AM, peaking at a striking 9, and continues to reach its maximum of 11 during the lunchtime hours at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, dropping to 10 by 1:00 PM and 8 by 2:00 PM. As the evening approaches, the numbers dwindle further, with the index falling to 3 at 4:00 PM, and then tapering off dramatically to 0 by 7:00 PM. This hourly cycle serves as a crucial reminder to enjoy the sun responsibly and protect your skin during its peak hours!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variation, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, the UV levels are high (index 6-7) with a burn time of 25 minutes. As spring approaches, the index rises sharply, reaching 9 in March and hitting a maximum of 12 in June and July, categorized as extreme, where the burn time decreases to just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the months of May through August, when the risk is highest; wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen regularly is essential. As autumn arrives, the index starts to decrease, with a very high rating of 10 in September and lowering further to 6 by November. December offers slightly less UV exposure with a moderate index of 5 and a burn time of 30 minutes. Overall, vigilance is crucial during high-risk months, especially when outdoor activities are planned.
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 |
| Bipu | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| 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 |