Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, where the sun can be both a source of warmth and a risk to skin health. With sky-high UV levels peaking at a striking 10 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, awareness of UV exposure is essential for effective sunburn prevention and reducing the long-term risks of skin damage. Given Shymkent's continental climate, with hot summers and plenty of sunshine, it's vital to monitor the UV Index daily and take protective measures when outdoor activities are on the agenda. Stay informed and keep your skin safe while enjoying the beautiful sun-soaked days in this vibrant city!
The UV Index data for the day reveals a notable rise in solar intensity, peaking at 10 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the index steadily climbs as the sun ascends, reaching a moderate 5 by 10:00 AM, and then surging to 9 at 12:00 PM. As the clock strikes 1:00 PM, the maximum UV Index of 10 alerts outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions. After this peak, a gradual decline begins, dropping to 4 by 5:00 PM, and the day winds down with readings back to 1 by 7:00 PM. Monitoring these fluctuations is essential for enjoying the sunshine safely!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | 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 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 |