Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Zhongzhou, China, where the Cfa climate brings a mix of seasonal warmth and potential for intense sun exposure. The UV Index provides essential information about the levels of ultraviolet radiation, helping individuals make informed decisions to protect their skin from burns and long-term damage. With peak UV levels soaring to 12 during midday hours, being aware of these values is vital for promoting skin health and ensuring enjoyable outdoor experiences. Whether you're enjoying a sunny day at the park or simply going about your daily activities, knowing the UV Index can help you safeguard your skin while embracing the beauty of Zhongzhou's climate.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index (UVI) reaches its peak around noon, soaring to a significant 12. Starting from a modest 2 at 7:00 AM, the intensity gradually escalates, hitting 4 by 8:00 AM and 6 by 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the sun's rays intensify further, reflecting a 9 on the scale, ultimately culminating in a high of 11 at 11:00 AM. The sun remains fierce until 1:00 PM, maintaining an 11 before declining in the late afternoon. As the day wanes, the UVI decreases, dropping to 4 at 4:00 PM, then 2 at 5:00 PM, and winding down to a mere 0 by 7:00 PM. It's a clear reminder to relish the sun's warmth early on while taking precautions during the midday peak.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index varies significantly, indicating seasonal changes in sun exposure risk. The high-risk months are from March to September when the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels—peaking at 12 in May through August, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should particularly exercise caution during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly. As winter approaches, the UV Index decreases, with January and February remaining high but allowing for longer burn times of 25 minutes. In contrast, October marks a return to very high, urging continued sun safety practices. Overall, understanding these UV trends is essential for protecting skin health year-round.
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 |
| Zhongzhou | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 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 |