Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Qiaotou, China, where the climate is characterized as humid subtropical (Cfa). With peak UV levels often reaching an intense 12, awareness of UV exposure is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health. During the sunniest hours of the day, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, the potential for harmful effects from ultraviolet radiation increases significantly. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents can enjoy outdoor activities while taking the necessary precautions to stay safe in the sun.
As the sun ascends, the UV Index rises dramatically. At 07:00, it starts at a gentle 2, offering a safe environment for morning activities. By 08:00, it climbs to 4, signaling the need for some sun protection. The intensity peaks at 10:00 with a striking 10, reaching its maximum at 11:00 and 12:00 with a peak UV Index of 12—definitely time to seek shade or lather on the sunscreen! As the afternoon progresses, intensity begins to wane, dropping to 9 by 14:00, then 6 at 15:00. The sun retreats, and by 17:00, we see a much softer 2, transitioning to a cozy 1 at 18:00 and finally settling at a safe 0 by 19:00. Overall, this UV Index profile underscores the importance of sun safety during 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, with marked increases from late winter to summer. The high-risk months are primarily from February through September, where the index reaches extreme levels, particularly from April to August, peaking at 13 in August. During these months, burn times decrease to as little as 10 minutes, underscoring the need for caution. It is crucial for visitors and residents to protect themselves with sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours to mitigate the risks of overexposure. In contrast, fall and winter months generally present lower UV risks, making outdoor activities safer but still necessitating some level of protection, especially in January and October when the index remains notably high.
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 |
| Qiaotou | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 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 |