Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kokshetau, Kazakhstan, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and promoting overall health. As sun exposure increases, so do the risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Kokshetau's semi-arid continental climate characterized by intense summer sun, it's essential to be aware of daily UV levels—especially when they peak at a notable index of 7 around midday. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents can enjoy outdoor activities while taking necessary precautions to protect their skin from harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index (UVI) begins its ascent, starting with a mild level of 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a level 3, indicating an increase in solar intensity. The real peak occurs at noon when the UVI hits a robust 7, representing the highest risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. This high intensity persists until 3:00 PM, when it gradually recedes to a level of 6. As the afternoon wanes, the UVI dips further, dropping to 5 at 4 PM and finally back to a gentle 1 by 7 PM, allowing for a safe and comfortable evening. Remember, the hours between 10 AM and 3 PM mark the most crucial times for sun safety!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, peaking during the summer months. January and December have the lowest UV Index levels (1), indicating low risk for sunburn with a burn time of 45 minutes. As we move into February and March, the UV Index rises to 3 and 4 (moderate exposure), where burn time decreases to 30 minutes. The high-risk months emerge in April and May, with the UV Index reaching 6 and 7 respectively, resulting in a burn time of only 25 minutes. The true peak occurs in July, where the UV Index escalates to 8 (very high), and exposure can lead to sunburn in just 15 minutes. August sees a slight decrease to 6, followed by a gradual decline in September (5) and October (3), with a return to low risk in November (2). Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions, especially during the high-risk months of April through August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kokshetau | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Nur-Sultan UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Karagandy UVI | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Taraz UVI | 2 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Shymkent UVI | 2 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Almaty UVI | 2 | 4 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |