Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Semey, Kazakhstan, where the climate can expose you to significant UV radiation, particularly during the sunniest parts of the day. The UV Index provides vital information on the level of ultraviolet radiation, helping you make informed decisions to protect your skin from harmful effects like sunburn and long-term health issues. Given Semey's distinct Dfb climate, it's essential to be aware of daily UV variations, especially when the Index peaks at levels 7 to 8 around midday. Stay informed and safeguard your skin by keeping an eye on the UV Index!
At dawn, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, it reaches 2 by 8:00 AM, then quickly accelerates to 4 by 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, it hits 5, paving the way for the day's peak bask with an impressive 8 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. The intensity begins to drop slightly to 7 by 2:00 PM, before tapering off to 5 at 3:00 PM. As the afternoon fades, the UV Index decreases steadily to 4 at 4:00 PM, 3 at 5:00 PM, and back to 1 by 6:00 PM, where it remains into the evening. This compelling rise and fall of UV radiation highlights the importance of sun safety during those midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring from May to July, categorized as very high with a burn time of just 15 minutes. April marks the transition into higher UV exposure, registering a UV Index of 6 and a high exposure category. Conversely, the winter months of January, November, and December remain in the low exposure category, with burn times up to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of May, June, and July, when it is crucial to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of skin damage. As the UV Index decreases in the fall and winter, vigilance can be relaxed, but some level of sun protection remains advisable year-round.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semey | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 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 |