Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Zhangshui, China, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly in a region characterized by a Cfa climate, where summer days can bring intense sunlight. During peak hours—especially from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, when the UV Index can reach a staggering 12—it’s crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions to safeguard yourself from harmful UV radiation. By keeping an eye on these levels, you can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing your risk of skin issues.
The UV Index throughout the day offers a vivid glimpse into solar intensity, peaking dramatically as the sun reaches its zenith. Starting at 7:00 AM with a moderate 2, the index climbs steadily, reaching 4 by 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it surges to 7, and from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, it hits its maximum, soaring to 12 at noon. As the day progresses, a gradual decline begins, with 11 at 1:00 PM and tapering down to 8 by 2:00 PM. The afternoon sees a gentle decrease, settling at 6 by 3:00 PM, and finally dwindling to a mere 1 by 5:00 PM. The sun's impact fades into the evening, where the UV Index drops to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a retreat from the day's solar embrace. This data highlights the importance of sun protection from late morning through early afternoon, when UV levels are at their highest.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure fluctuates significantly, peaking during the warmer months. The highest risk months are from May to September, where the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 12, allowing for a burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring arrives, March and April see a very high UV Index of 10, with a burn time of 15 minutes. While January and February present high UV levels of 6 and 7, the burn time remains manageable at 25 minutes. As fall approaches, October's UV Index drops to 8 and the burn time increases again to 15 minutes. It’s advisable for both visitors and residents to take precautions during peak months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen 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 |
| Zhangshui | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 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 |