Last updated: June 2, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for residents of Zhishan, China, where the humid subtropical climate brings both lush greenery and significant sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to a formidable 13 around noon. With typical summer days seeing UV exposure risks varying dramatically throughout the day—from 2 in the early morning to a blistering 12-13 during midday—being aware of the UV Index can help you enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, starting at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it sharply increases to 4, setting the stage for the day's peak. The intensity hits its zenith at 12:00 PM, soaring to 13—a potent reminder to take sun safety precautions. As the afternoon unfolds, the UV levels begin to wane, dipping to 9 by 2:00 PM and further declining to 6 by 3:00 PM. The evening brings a gentle decline, with the index falling to 2 by 5:00 PM and tapering off to 0 by 7:00 PM. This dynamic pattern emphasizes the importance of sun protection, particularly during the midday hours when the UV rays are strongest.
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV levels, with high-risk months peaking from March to September, where the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels of 11 to 13. January starts with a high UV Index of 6, which increases to a very high 8 in February, then sharply escalates to extreme values for the following months. During the peak summer months of June, July, and August, a UV Index of 13 indicates a burn time of just 10 minutes. As autumn begins, UV levels gradually decrease but remain significant, dropping to 9 in October. To ensure safety, it is advised that visitors and residents take precautions during high UV periods by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, particularly from March through September. In contrast, burn times of 25 minutes in January, November, and December suggest relatively lower UV risks during those months.
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 |
| Zhishan | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 6 |
| 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 |