Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Zhang'an, China—a region known for its vibrant Cfa climate with warm summers and mild winters. As UV levels can soar during the day, peaking at a significant 12 around noon, being aware of these fluctuations is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. With the sun's rays intensifying from mid-morning to early afternoon, knowing how to shield yourself when UV exposure is at its highest can make a vital difference in your well-being. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely in picturesque Zhang'an!
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 |
The UV Index experiences notable fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest values occurring from March to September. During these months, particularly from May to August, the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 12, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure with a burn time as low as 10 minutes. High-risk months include March (9), April (10), and October (9), where the exposure is categorized as very high and the burn time is reduced to 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during these periods, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. As winter approaches, the UV index gradually decreases, with December recording a moderate level of 5, allowing for more relaxed sun exposure guidelines.
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 |
| Zhang'an | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 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 |