Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Zhetybay, Kazakhstan, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With its semi-arid climate (BSk), Zhetybay experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when the index peaks at a high of 9. Being aware of these levels can help you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. As the sun rises, so does the risk; from 3 at 09:00 to 9 between 13:00 and 14:00, it's essential to stay informed and protect yourself while enjoying the beautiful Kazakh landscape. Remember, a little awareness can go a long way in preserving your skin's health!
Starting from 07:00 AM, the UV Index remains low at 1, perfect for a morning stroll. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity gradually increases: reaching 3 by 09:00 AM and then escalating to 4 at 10:00 AM. The peak intensity occurs at 01:00 PM, with a striking UV Index of 9, suggesting it's vital to seek shade or apply sunscreen during this hour. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with values of 8 at 03:00 PM and 6 by 04:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index drops back to 4 at 05:00 PM, and then gently falls to 2 by 06:00 PM, before settling back at 1 near sunset. It's a day to stay sun-smart!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, affecting sun exposure and burn times. January and December are characterized by low UV levels (Index 2), allowing for longer skin exposure before burning, approximately 45 minutes. As spring approaches, February sees a moderate increase (Index 3) with a burn time of 30 minutes, transitioning into higher levels in March (Index 6) and April (Index 7), where the burn time decreases to 25 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure are May through August, with extremely high levels (UV Index 9) during these summer months and a critical burn time of just 15 minutes. September begins a gentle decline back to high levels (Index 7) while October and November see moderate levels again. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant from March to August, ensuring they take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to avoid skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Zhetybay | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 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 |