Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Chayek, Kyrgyzstan, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. With the region's Dfc climate, residents and visitors often experience significant UV levels, especially during midday hours when the index peaks at a staggering 12. Being aware of these levels helps in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring your time outdoors is both enjoyable and safe. From the serene mornings with low UV levels to the midday sun that poses higher risks, it's essential to stay informed and protect your skin during those critical hours.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a fascinating pattern as the sun ascends. At 07:00, the index starts at a gentle 1, indicating minimal risk. However, by 09:00, it climbs to 4, marking the arrival of noticeable sunlight. The real intensity hits its peak at 12:00, soaring to an impressive 11—a cautionary moment for those outdoors. As we move through the afternoon, the index remains elevated, reaching 12 at 13:00 before gradually descending, settling back to 7 by 16:00. The evening sees a return to safer levels with 2 at 18:00 and finally back to 1 as the day wanes at 19:00. This dynamic shift underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours, particularly from 10:00 to 14:00.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | 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 |