Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Zhitikara, Kazakhstan, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential for residents and visitors alike. With a Dfb climate, Zhitikara experiences distinct seasonal variations, but during sunnier months, the UV index can reach levels that pose significant risks, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM when it peaks at 7. Staying informed about UV exposure will not only safeguard your skin but also enhance your outdoor experiences in this vibrant region.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and remaining low for the next few hours. By 09:00, it climbs to 2, encouraging early risers to enjoy the outdoors. As the clock strikes 10:00, the index reaches 3, signaling a moderate increase in UV exposure. The peak hour arrives at 12:00, where the index soars to 6, and it continues to hold a robust 7 from 13:00 to 15:00. This peak signifies the highest risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, especially for those who are outside. As the day winds down, the UV intensity gradually diminishes, dropping to 4 by 17:00, and easing to a gentle 2 by 19:00. For safety, it’s crucial to protect your skin during the midday sun when the UV Index reaches its maximum.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal variations, impacting both residents and visitors. January and December feature a low UV Index of 1, with a burn time of 45 minutes, making sun exposure relatively safe. As spring approaches, February and March see moderate conditions (UV Index 3 and 5, respectively), with a burn time of 30 minutes. The UV Index rises sharply in April and May to 6 and 7, indicating high risk, with burn times dropping to 25 minutes. The peak occurs in July with a very high index of 8 and a mere 15-minute burn time, making this the highest risk month for harmful solar exposure. As summer transitions to autumn, August and September revert to high and moderate levels respectively, before dropping back to low levels by November. Residents and visitors should take precautions—such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade—especially during the high-risk months of July and August to minimize UV exposure and minimize skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zhitikara | 1 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 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 |