Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Shifu, China, a region known for its humid subtropical climate (Cfa) that can elevate sun exposure risks. As UV levels peak during midday hours, typically soaring to a concerning 11 around noon, awareness of these levels helps protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With sunlight intensity fluctuating significantly throughout the day—reaching a maximum of 9 by 10 AM—grasping the UV Index is crucial for making informed decisions about sun safety, ensuring that outdoor activities remain enjoyable while prioritizing skin health.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dramatic rise in sun intensity, peaking during the late morning to early afternoon. Starting the day at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, reaching 11 by 11:00 AM and maintaining that level until 1:00 PM. This signifies a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Following this peak, the index begins to dip, dropping to 8 by 2:00 PM, and continuing its decline until it falls to 0 by 7:00 PM. With this information, it's crucial to take sun safety precautions—especially during the hours when the UV Index is at its highest!
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 | 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 does the UV Index, significantly impacting sun exposure risks throughout the year. The months of March to September present the highest UV levels, peaking in May and June with an extreme index of 11-12 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Specifically, March and April also carry very high values (9-10), while October briefly returns to a very high index of 8. Thus, visitors and residents should take extra precautions from March through October, utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during peak sunlight hours. With January and February having a high index but longer burn times, individuals should also remain vigilant during these months. In contrast, November and December see a drop to moderate and high levels, allowing for a bit more leeway, but sun protection should still be considered.
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 |
Shifu | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 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 |