Abstract: In this article the surface solar total radiation and ultraviolet radiation data observed from year 2001 to 2003 in Shanghai have been analyzed.The results show that:(1) The annual total solar radiation and ultraviolet radiation are 4487.1MJ/m² and 149.6MJ/m² respectively.(2) The inter-monthly distribution of the ultraviolet radiation has obvious seasonal characteristics,higher in summer-half-year(Apr.to Sep.) and lower in winter-half-year(Oct.to next Mar.),highest in Jul.and lowest in Dec.(3) The ultraviolet radiation intensities vary significantly in different weather,it is high and stable in sunny weather,and it fluctuates more in cloudy condition than in overcast.(4) The ratio of Q_UV to Q,called η,shows that its inter-monthly distribution also has seasonal characteristics,higher in summer-half-year and lower in winter-half-year.(5) The principal factors that affect the surface ultraviolet radiation are as follows: The value of the surface ultraviolet radiation intensity is basically determined by the solar altitude angle,both of them have the similar shifting trends in the year;synoptic type such as cloudy and rainy etc.plays an important role in the surface ultraviolet radiation;atmospheric visibility also has relatively obvious influence on the ultraviolet radiation.