Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Heping, China, where the climate fosters beautiful sunny days yet presents significant risks associated with ultraviolet exposure. Understanding UV levels is not just about enjoying the outdoors; it's essential for preventing sunburn and protecting long-term skin health. During peak hours, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV Index can reach dangerously high levels of 11, indicating the need for proper precautions. With Heping’s humid subtropical climate, where sun exposure is frequent, being informed about UV risks is vital for safe outdoor activities year-round.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises dramatically, peaking at 11 at noon. Starting from a mild 2 at 7:00 AM, the intensity escalates as sunlight strengthens. By 10:00 AM, the UV Index hits 9, a clear indication to seek shade and protect your skin. The intensity reaches a maximum of 10 at 11:00 AM and holds steady until 1:00 PM, when it slightly dips to 10. After the midday peak, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 3 by 4:00 PM and eventually tapering off to 0 by 7:00 PM. This hour-by-hour progression serves as a vital reminder of how midday sun exposure can significantly impact skin health.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, significantly affecting exposure for visitors and residents. January starts off with a moderate UV Index of 5, but by February, it escalates to a high level of 6. The real shift occurs in March and April, where the UV Index rises to very high levels of 9, leading to a burn time of just 15 minutes. The peak months of May through August present an extreme risk with the UV Index reaching a maximum of 12 in June, necessitating very short burn times of only 10 minutes. September and October experience a slight decline, yet still maintain very high levels, while November and December drop to high and moderate categories respectively. To protect yourself, it’s crucial to limit sun exposure, especially during the high-risk months of March to October, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek 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 |
| Heping | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 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 |