Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Hong Kong, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful rays and preventing painful sunburns. Understanding UV levels not only helps you enjoy the outdoors safely but also plays a significant role in maintaining long-term skin health. With its humid subtropical climate, Hong Kong experiences elevated UV exposure, particularly during midday hours, when indices can soar to dangerous levels of 13. By staying informed about these levels and taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy the vibrant streets and beautiful parks of this bustling metropolis while keeping your skin safe.
At dawn, the sun begins its ascent with a UV Index of 1 at 07:00, gradually rising throughout the morning. By 09:00, it hits a moderate 6, urging early risers to slather on sunscreen. The peak intensity arrives around noon with a sizzling UV Index of 13, warning everyone to seek shade or don protective clothing. As the afternoon progresses, the numbers begin to dip, hitting 11 at 14:00 before steadily declining into the evening, where it plummets to a mere 1 by 18:00. Finally, as night falls by 19:00, the UV Index drops to 0, signaling the end of a sun-soaked day. Stay vigilant; the midday sun demands respect!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels typically occurring from March to October. During February to October, the UV Index often falls into the very high to extreme categories, with March to May peaking at an index of 14 in May. High-risk months are primarily from February (10) to October (11), where sunburn can occur in as little as 10 to 15 minutes of unprotected exposure. Residents and visitors are advised to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially during these high-risk months to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tung Chung UVI | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |
Yuen Long Kau Hui UVI | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |
Tsuen Wan UVI | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |
Hong Kong | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |
Kowloon UVI | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |