Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kara-Bak, Kyrgyzstan, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With max UV levels peaking at 9 from late morning to early afternoon, awareness of these fluctuations helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Kara-Bak's semi-arid climate (BWk) means that UV exposure can be significant, even on days that don't feel overly sunny. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin against harmful rays.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a mild 2 at 07:00, gradually rising to a moderate 3 by 08:00. As the morning progresses, the intensity increases; by 09:00, it reaches 5, and peaks at a robust 9 from 11:00 to 13:00—making this the most critical time for sun exposure. Subsequently, the index begins to decline, dropping to 7 at 14:00 and tapering off to 5 by 15:00. As the afternoon transitions into evening, the UV Index steadily decreases to 3 at 16:00 and settles back to 2 by 17:00, eventually winding down to a low 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. This data serves as a reminder to stay sun-safe during the peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal fluctuations that warrant attention from both visitors and residents. From January to February, UV exposure is moderate, with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, as we transition into March, the index rises sharply to 7 (high), reducing safe exposure time to 25 minutes. The summer months of April through July are particularly high-risk, peaking in July at an extreme 11, with a mere 10-minute burn time. Even August and September maintain very high levels of UV exposure, ranging from 8 to 9. By October, the UV Index decreases to 6 (high) before dropping further in November and December to moderate and low levels, respectively. To minimize the risk of harmful sun exposure, it is crucial for everyone to be vigilant during the high-risk months from March to September—especially in peak summer—by wearing protective clothing, utilizing sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kara-Bak | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Bishkek UVI | 3 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Tokmok UVI | 3 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Jalal-Abad UVI | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Osh UVI | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Karakol UVI | 3 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |