Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Zhitikara, Kazakhstan, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in long-term skin health. With a Dfb climate characterized by distinct seasons, Zhitikara experiences varying UV exposure risks, particularly during peak hours when the UV Index can reach as high as 8 around noon and early afternoon. By staying informed about these levels, residents and visitors can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing harmful effects.
During the day, the UV Index experiences a significant rise, peaking at an impressive 8 between 1 PM and 2 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The morning starts off with a moderate index of 1 at 7 AM and 8 AM, gradually climbing to a manageable 2 by 9 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the UV intensity escalates sharply, reaching 5 by 11 AM and breaking through into the 7 range by noon. After peaking at 8, the UV levels begin to decline, dropping to a still considerable 5 by 5 PM and settling back to 2 by 7 PM. It’s crucial to stay protected during those peak hours for optimal sun safety!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | 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 |