Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Merke, Kazakhstan is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. In a climate characterized by cold, humid winters and warm summers like Merke's Dfc zone, UV exposure can be deceptively high, especially during midday when levels soar to 10 and even 11. Being aware of these fluctuations helps residents and visitors alike take necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely and minimize risks associated with high UV exposure. Remember, protecting your skin is not just a summer concern—awareness of UV levels year-round is key to lasting skin health!
The UV Index throughout the day follows a predictable rise and fall, peaking at 11 around 1:00 PM. Starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually escalates, reaching 10 by 12:00 PM, signaling the need for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips from 11 to 8 by 3:00 PM, then declines further to 2 by 6:00 PM, and finally settles back at 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of taking precautions during the hours of peak UV exposure, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when levels are highest and pose the greatest risk to skin health.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, highlighting specific high-risk months for sun exposure. From March to August, UV levels peak, particularly in June and July when the index reaches an extreme level of 11, necessitating a burn time of merely 10 minutes. Conversely, the low-risk months are from December to February, where the UV index remains moderate to low, offering burn times ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. Residents and visitors should exercise caution during high-risk months, ensuring they take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing to avoid harmful effects from excessive sun exposure.
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 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 |
| Merke | 3 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |