Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors of Zhetybay, Kazakhstan, where the BSk climate brings distinct sun exposure risks. As the sun climbs in the sky, awareness of UV levels becomes essential for protecting your skin from potential sunburns and maintaining long-term skin health. With daily UV readings peaking at 9 from late morning to early afternoon, it’s crucial to recognize when to seek shade or apply sunscreen. By staying informed about the UV Index in Zhetybay, you can enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin for years to come.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, starting at a low of 1 at 7 AM. By 9 AM, it picks up the pace, reaching 3, but the real surge comes as we approach noon. At 12 PM, the index peaks at a striking 9, indicating that midday sun can be quite intense. The hours between 11 AM and 2 PM are particularly critical, with values consistently at 7 to 9, signaling the need for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the heat begins to wane, and by 5 PM, the index drops to 4. Finally, the day concludes with a retreating UV level, falling back to 1 by 7 PM. Remember to stay safe and use sunscreen during those highest UV hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 |