Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, where the sun can be particularly strong, especially during the peak hours of midday. With UV levels frequently reaching as high as 9, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health. Shymkent's continental climate brings extended sunny periods, making it vital for everyone to recognize and respond to the risks of prolonged sun exposure. Stay informed about the UV Index to enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from potential harm.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its journey, starting low at 1 at 07:00 AM and gradually climbing. By 09:00 AM, it hits 3, but the real intensity kicks in by 12:00 PM, peaking at an impressive 8. The UV levels reach their zenith at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, where they maintain a high of 9, urging sun-seekers to take precautions. As the afternoon fades, the index gradually declines, dropping to 5 by 4:00 PM and further to 4 at 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the index settles back down to a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s a vivid reminder of the sun’s strength—safety and sun protection are key during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | 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 | 7 | 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 experiences notable changes that affect sun exposure risk. January and December see low UV levels (Index 2), allowing for longer outdoor activities without significant risk of sunburn, with a burn time of 45 minutes. As we transition into February, the UV Index rises to 3 (moderate) with a burn time of 30 minutes, indicating that precautions should begin. The months of March to September reflect a peak in UV intensity, particularly with high to very high levels (maximum of 10 in June and July), where the burn time sharply decreases to just 15 minutes. This makes March through September the highest risk period for sun exposure. October and November see a decline in UV levels back to moderate, presenting a safer environment once again. It’s advisable for visitors and residents to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, especially during the high-risk months of March through September when UV exposure could result in severe skin damage within a matter of minutes.
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 |
| Taraz UVI | 2 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Shymkent | 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 |