Last updated: June 2, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for residents of Xunqiao, China, where the subtropical climate brings varying UV exposure throughout the day. Understanding UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining healthy skin, especially when levels can peak dramatically—from a moderate 4 in the early morning to a striking 12 during midday hours. With this kind of intensity, it's essential to take protective measures, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the risks are highest. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the long-term effects of UV radiation on your skin.
The UV Index provides a vital insight into sun exposure throughout the day, peaking during the late morning to early afternoon hours. At 07:00, it starts off low at 2, but by 08:00, it rises to 4, indicating increasing sun intensity. The real surge happens between 09:00 and 12:00, where it climbs dramatically to a maximum of 12 at 11:00 and 12:00. As the sun begins to dip after 13:00, the index gradually decreases to 11 at 1 PM and gently tapers off to 9 at 2 PM. By 3 PM, it continues to decline to 6, and by the evening, it reaches a minimal 1 at both 5 PM and 6 PM, finally falling to 0 by 7 PM. This hourly breakdown urges us to protect our skin during the peak hours, especially when the index hits its zenith.
| 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV levels, significantly impacting sun safety for residents and visitors. From January to February, the UV Index ranges from 6 to 7, classified as high, with a burn time of 25 minutes. The UV Index escalates dramatically in March and April, reaching 10 (very high) with a reduced burn time of 15 minutes. May through August sees an extreme peak of 12, necessitating only 10 minutes of exposure before burns occur. Even in September, the UV Index remains high at 11, though slightly less intense. As October rolls in, conditions are still very high with an index of 8, allowing for 15 minutes of sun exposure, while November and December lower to 7 and 5 respectively, offering moderate protection with burn times of 25 and 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, especially during the high-risk months from March to September, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Xunqiao | 6 | 7 | 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 |