Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Altanbulag, Mongolia, staying aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is crucial, as prolonged exposure can lead to painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. With the region's semi-arid climate (BSk), residents and visitors alike face varying UV exposure risks, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can soar to 9. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin's health.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear pattern of intensity, peaking at midday. Starting from a mild level of 1 at 07:00, the index rises steadily, reaching 2 by 08:00. The real surge occurs between 09:00 and 13:00, where it escalates from 4 to a striking 9—the highest point of the day. As the afternoon unfolds, the intensity slightly declines to 7 at 15:00, before tapering off to 5 at 16:00. The evening sees a further decrease, settling back to 2 by 18:00 and returning to 1 at 19:00. For those enjoying outdoor activities, it’s essential to take precautions, especially during the peak hours from 11:00 to 14:00 when the UV rays are most potent.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index presents notable seasonal variations that are crucial for both visitors and residents. During the winter months of January and December, the UV Index is at its lowest (2), indicating a low exposure risk with a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches, February and March see a moderate increase with UV Index values of 3 and 5, respectively, where caution is advised, particularly with a burn time of 30 minutes. The risk peaks in the summer, especially from May to August, when the UV Index reaches 9, categorized as very high, necessitating minimized sun exposure with a burn time of just 15 minutes. April and September follow closely with high (7) and moderate (4) levels, respectively. As winter arrives again, UV levels decrease back to their safer ranges. It is essential for everyone to take proper sun safety measures, particularly during the high-risk months of May through August, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darhan UVI | 1 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Erdenet UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Ulan Bator UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Altanbulag | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| OElgii UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Khovd UVI | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 1 |