Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Chayek, Kyrgyzstan, is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. High UV levels, particularly during the midday sun when the index climbs to 11, can lead to severe sunburn and long-term skin damage if appropriate precautions aren't taken. With the Dfc climate of Chayek, characterized by warm summers and increased sun exposure, it’s essential to stay informed about UV levels throughout the day. By recognizing when the UV index peaks, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin against harmful rays.
The UV Index today showcases a striking pattern of intensity as the sun rises. Starting off at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM. A significant jump occurs at 9:00 AM, where it escalates to 4, setting the stage for a blazing midday. The peak sun exposure arrives at 12:00 PM with a scorching 11, persisting through 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, indicating extreme UV levels. As the afternoon wanes, a gradual decline brings the index down to 9 by 3:00 PM, then gently descending to 4 by 5:00 PM. By evening, the sun's intensity fades to 2 at 6:00 PM and finally settles back to 1 at 7:00 PM. It's clear: today calls for sun safety measures during peak hours!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the levels of UV exposure, which are crucial for both visitors and residents to consider. From January to February, the UV Index remains in the moderate range (3 to 5), allowing for about 30 minutes of sun exposure without significant risk. March marks a significant increase, with a dramatic rise to a very high UV Index of 10, reducing the safe burn time to just 15 minutes. The months of April through August experience extreme UV levels, peaking at 12 in June and July, where unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes. Following this, September shows a slight decrease to a very high index of 9 with a burn time of 15 minutes, while October brings a high level of 7 and a safer 25-minute exposure time. By November and December, the UV Index drops back to moderate levels (3 to 4), allowing for 30 minutes of burn time. Therefore, it is vital to prioritize sun safety during the high-risk months of March to August, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade when necessary to minimize harmful effects from UV radiation.
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 |
| Chayek | 3 | 5 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Karakol UVI | 3 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |