Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Kara-Kulja, Kyrgyzstan, a region known for its distinct continental climate. The UV levels can fluctuate dramatically throughout the day, peaking at a striking 11 between noon and 1 PM, highlighting the importance of staying informed to prevent sunburn and promote overall skin health. As you navigate the sun-soaked days of Kara-Kulja, a keen awareness of UV exposure risks can help ensure safe outdoor activities while protecting your skin from harmful rays. Being vigilant about UV levels is not just a matter of comfort; it's a vital step in safeguarding your well-being in this beautiful yet intense environment.
The UV Index today paints a vivid picture of solar intensity, peaking dramatically between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM with a striking 11—a warning to seek shade and protect skin. Starting the day at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs, reaching 4 by 9:00 AM and escalating to 9 by 11:00 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index hits 11, indicating extreme conditions that persist for a solid three hours. Following this midday blast, it gracefully declines to 6 by 4:00 PM, before tapering off to a safer 1 by the evening. Remember to stay sun-smart during those 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 | 6 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with March through August marking the high-risk months due to extreme UV Index levels. In March and April, the UV Index reaches 8 and 10 respectively, indicating very high risk, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. This escalates in May and June to an extreme UV Index of 11, reducing safe exposure time to only 10 minutes. July continues the pattern, while August sees a slight decrease to 10 but remains in the very high category. As we transition towards the fall, the risk diminishes; however, September still holds a high UV Index of 9. From October onward, the UV Index drops to moderate levels. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during these peak months—wearing protective clothing, applying high-SPF sunscreen, and seeking shade when the sun is strongest will greatly reduce the risk of 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 |
| Osh UVI | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Kara-Kulja | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Karakol UVI | 3 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |