Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Yuanhua, China, where the combination of a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) and varying UV exposure levels can pose significant risks to skin health. During peak hours, particularly between 11 AM and 1 PM, the UV Index can reach critical levels of 11, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring your time outdoors remains safe and enjoyable. Whether you're planning a day at the park or simply stepping outside, knowing the UV Index will empower you to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity. It begins with a mild reading of 2 at 07:00, gradually rising to a moderate 4 by 08:00. As the sun reaches its peak, the index surges to a striking 9 at 10:00, hitting a maximum of 11 at both 11:00 and 12:00—a clear indication to seek shade or apply sunscreen. The intensity then begins to dip, falling to 10 at 13:00, before gradually decreasing to 8 at 14:00. By 15:00, the index declines to 5, and as evening approaches, it settles at 2 by 17:00, before tapering off to 1 at 18:00 and finally reaching 0 at 19:00. This hourly trend highlights the importance of midday sun protection, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
| 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 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, with the most high-risk months occurring from March to September, where values peak at 11 or even 12, indicating extreme exposure levels. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during these months, particularly in April, May, August, and September, when the burn time drops to as little as 10 minutes. It is advisable to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen, donning protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Conversely, in January, February, October, and November, while UV exposure is still a concern, the risk is lower, allowing for a little more lenience, although caution is still warranted. As winter approaches in December, the index reduces to 4, marking a return to a more moderate risk level, but it's still wise to stay vigilant against UV 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 |
| Yuanhua | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| 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 |