Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Kara-Balta, Kyrgyzstan, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn, reduces the risk of skin cancer, and promotes long-term skin health, particularly in regions like Kara-Balta, where the climate is characterized by cold, humid winters and warm summers. During the peak daylight hours, UV exposure can soar, with the index reaching levels of 10 and 11 between noon and 1 PM—significantly increasing your risk for harmful effects. By keeping a close eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the sun safely and ensure your outdoor activities remain a source of joy rather than harm.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bishkek UVI | 3 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Kara-Balta | 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 |