Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Bayan-Ovoo, Mongolia is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With peak UV levels reaching a striking 10 around noon, awareness of UV exposure can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. The local BWk climate contributes to intense sunlight, making daily UV monitoring essential for outdoor enthusiasts and residents alike. Whether you're hiking in the surrounding landscapes or simply enjoying a sunny day, knowing when to seek shade can help ensure your time outdoors remains enjoyable and safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 at 07:00, indicating minimal risk. By 08:00, it increases to 3, prompting a bit more awareness. The intensity builds, reaching 4 by 09:00 and then surging to 7 at 10:00. The day reaches its peak between 12:00 and 13:00, where the UV Index hits its maximum of 10, signaling a high risk for sun exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to decline—9 at 14:00, 7 at 15:00, and then easing to 5 by 16:00. The late hours bring a gradual reduction, settling back down to 3 at 17:00, 2 at 18:00, and finally returning to 1 by 19:00. Remember to prioritize sun protection during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 and 13:00, when the risk is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | 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, UV exposure varies significantly, with a noticeable increase from March to August. The high-risk months are April to August, where the UV Index reaches 8-10, categorized as very high; during this period, the recommended burn time decreases to just 15 minutes. In contrast, January and December exhibit low exposure levels, with a UV Index of 2 and a burn time of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the high UV months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun's rays are the strongest. During the rest of the year, while the risk is lower, it is still advisable to be mindful of UV exposure, especially in March, September, and October with moderate UV levels.
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 |
| 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 |
| Bayan-Ovoo | 2 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |