Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Karavan, Kyrgyzstan, to protect their skin and overall health from the dangers of excessive sun exposure. With typical UV levels peaking at a significant 10 during midday, awareness of these fluctuations can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Nestled in a BSk climate zone, Karavan experiences unique weather patterns that can elevate UV exposure risks, especially in the summer months. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking in the sun, keeping a close eye on the UV Index is key to ensuring your skin remains healthy and safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it reaches 2, indicating a low risk, perfect for morning strolls. The intensity picks up at 09:00, hitting 3, and then surges to 6 by 10:00. From 11:00 to 13:00, the index escalates dramatically, peaking at an intense 10, marking the hours when sun protection is crucial. The afternoon maintains this peak, with 10 persisting until 14:00. As the day progresses, the evening brings relief; the index drops to 8 at 15:00, and gradually declines to 3 by 17:00, and finally retreats to 1 by 19:00. This hourly data highlights the importance of seeking shade and using sunscreen during midday hours to ensure safety under the sun.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, significantly impacting sun exposure risks. From January to February, the UV Index remains moderate, with a burn time of approximately 30 minutes. However, March marks the beginning of heightened risk, as the UV Index soars to 8, indicating very high exposure with a quickened burn time of 15 minutes. This trend continues through April and May with an extreme peak in June and July, featuring an Index of 11 and only 10 minutes of safe exposure time. August and September still pose a high risk, with indices around 9 to 10. As we shift into the fall months, October sees a decreased risk with a high index of 6, extending the burn time to 25 minutes, while November and December return to a moderate rating. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months of March through September, prioritizing sunscreen application, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Karavan | 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 |