Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Altay, Mongolia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the peak hours of UV exposure. Understanding the local UV levels—often reaching their highest at 9 around midday—empowers residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions against harmful radiation. With Altay's Dwc climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers, the sun’s potent rays can be particularly deceptive in achieving optimal outdoor enjoyment, making it vital to stay informed and protect your skin from potential damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM and gradually climbs throughout the morning. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 4, but the real intensity kicks in around 11:00 AM, peaking at a robust 8. The afternoon sees the highest level at 1:00 PM with a remarkable 9, indicating a considerable risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the index gently declines, settling back to 4 by 4:00 PM before tapering off towards evening. By 7:00 PM, it finally drops to 1, marking a significant decrease in UV radiation. For those planning their day outdoors, being mindful of these hours will ensure safety under the sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | 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 experiences significant fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to March, the UV Index rises gradually from 2 to 5, classified as low to moderate risk, where burn times range from 30 to 45 minutes. As we transition into April, May, June, July, and August, the UV Index peaks at 9, falling in the very high category, where the burn time reduces to just 15 minutes—making these months particularly high-risk for sunburn. September marks a decrease to 6 (high exposure), with a burn time of 25 minutes, while October to December returns to lower UV levels, with indices of 4, 2, and 1, respectively, allowing for longer burn times of 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant, especially during the high-risk summer months, by wearing sun protection and limiting sun exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM.
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 |
| Altay | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 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 |