Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Hetou, China, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn. As the region often experiences high UV levels, especially during midday, understanding and monitoring these levels can help residents and visitors protect themselves from damaging sun exposure. With a Cfa climate, Hetou’s summers bring intense sunlight, peaking with UV Index readings reaching up to 12—a significant risk factor for skin health. By staying informed about daily UV fluctuations, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing your risk of skin damage.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of intensity that peaks during midday hours. Starting at 07:00, the index begins at a low 2, gradually climbing to 4 by 08:00. As the sun rises higher, the index surges to 7 at 09:00 and hits a striking 10 at 10:00. The intensity reaches its zenith at 11:00 with an impressive 11, just before noon, peaking at 12 by 12:00—the most critical time for sun exposure. The afternoon sees a decline, dropping to 11 at 13:00 and then gradually easing to 9 by 14:00. By late afternoon, the index continues to fall, reaching 6 at 15:00, and dropping to 3 by 16:00. The evening brings a significant drop, as the index settles at 1 by 17:00, further decreasing to 0 by the end of the day at 19:00. This fluctuation emphasizes the importance of sun protection during the peak hours of 10:00 to 14:00.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, significantly affecting the risk of skin damage from sun exposure. High-risk months for UV exposure include February through September, where the Index peaks at 12 during May to September, classified as extreme, allowing for a burn time as quick as 10 minutes. Even in March and April, with a UV Index of 10, the exposure remains very high. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during these months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly. In contrast, the UV Index decreases in the late fall and winter months, with levels dropping to 5 in December, indicating a moderate risk, thereby allowing for longer safe exposure times. Adapting sun safety practices year-round is essential for protecting skin health.
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 |
| Hetou | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 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 |