Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Guanlu, China, where the subtropical Cfa climate contributes to varying UV exposure throughout the day. With midday values soaring as high as 12, it’s essential to recognize the significance of UV levels—not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for safeguarding your long-term skin health. Whether you're enjoying the outdoors or simply commuting, being informed about these levels can help you protect yourself from potential harm during peak hours, especially in a region where the sun’s intensity can rapidly increase. Stay vigilant and keep your skin safe as you bask in Guanlu's vibrant lifestyle!
At sunrise, the UV Index begins at a gentle 2 by 07:00, but as the sun rises higher, the intensity quickly escalates. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 7, signaling outdoor enthusiasts to apply sunscreen. The peak comes at 11:00 and 12:00, where the index peaks at a striking 12, indicating very high levels of UV radiation. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually decreases, dipping to 8 by 14:00 and further dropping to 5 by 15:00. In the late afternoon and evening, the UV Index retreats to 3 by 16:00, finally settling at 1 by 17:00 and fading to 0 after 19:00. This daily cycle highlights the importance of sun safety during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels fluctuate significantly, with high-risk months typically spanning from February to September. During this period, the UV index reaches extreme levels of 11-12, creating a burn time of just 10 minutes, particularly from April to August. Notably, March and October also present very high UV indexes (10 and 8 respectively), where burn times decrease to 15 minutes. To ensure safety, visitors and residents are advised to limit sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wear protective clothing, and seek shade whenever possible during these months. In contrast, from November to January, the risk is lower with UV indexes ranging from 5 to 7, allowing for longer exposure times without significant risk.
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 |
| Guanlu | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 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 |