Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Wukeng, China, where exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays can vary significantly throughout the day. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. Wukeng's humid subtropical climate (Cfa) means that UV exposure can climb to a peak of 12 around noon, posing notable risks if precautions are not taken. With this guide, you can stay informed and protect yourself from the sun’s damaging effects while enjoying everything this beautiful area has to offer.
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 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 |
| Wukeng | 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 |