Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, where UV exposure can be significant due to its high-altitude, mountainous climate. With daily peaks reaching up to 11 on the UV Index scale between noon and early afternoon, being aware of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Given the region's unique Dfc climate—characterized by warm summers and cold winters—individuals must navigate varying UV risks throughout the year. Stay informed and equipped to enjoy the beautiful sunshine safely!
At 07:00 AM, the UV Index starts off low at 1, making it a safe time for morning activities. As the sun rises, the intensity increases steadily, reaching 3 by 08:00 AM and escalating to 5 by 09:00 AM. The sun's rays peak dramatically, hitting 11 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, suggesting a need for sun protection. After the zenith, the index gradually declines, ranging from 10 at 2:00 PM to 8 by 3:00 PM, before falling to 2 by 6:00 PM and 1 again by 7:00 PM. This fluctuation highlights the importance of safeguarding from UV exposure during the midday hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 | 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 safety for visitors and residents alike. From January to February, the UV Index remains at 3 to 5, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure with a burn time of 30 minutes. March and April see a sharp rise, with the UV Index jumping to 8 and 10, categorizing it as very high and reducing the burn time to just 15 minutes. The months of May, June, and July present the highest risk, all reaching an extreme UV Index of 11, meaning a burn time of only 10 minutes. In August and September, the UV levels remain high, with indices of 10 and 9 respectively, so caution is still advised. As temperatures cool in October, the UV Index drops to 6, but still poses a notable risk with a burn time of 25 minutes. Finally, November and December return to moderate levels of 3, allowing for safer outdoor activities with a longer burn time of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions, particularly during the high-risk months from March to September, by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| Osh UVI | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Cholpon-Ata | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Karakol UVI | 3 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |