Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Sangiyn Dalay, Mongolia, where the high-altitude climate can significantly elevate UV exposure risks. With the region’s distinct ET climate, the sun can be fierce, peaking at a staggering UV Index of 11 during midday hours, which means protection is vital to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Being aware of these daily fluctuations not only helps safeguard your skin but also promotes overall health and well-being, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful outdoors responsibly. So, stay informed and take the necessary precautions as you soak in the stunning landscapes under the Mongolian sun!
As daylight unfolds, the UV Index begins a gradual rise, starting the day with a mild level of 2 at 07:00. By 08:00, it ticks up to 3, signaling the sun's increasing intensity. However, the real climb begins at 09:00, soaring to 6. Mid-morning brings a peak, reaching a formidable 8 at 10:00, escalating to the day's maximum of 11 by noon, making it imperative to seek shade and wear sunscreen. The intense exposure continues through 13:00, holding steady at 11, before gradually descending back to 10 at 14:00. As the afternoon winds down, the UV levels taper off to 7 at 15:00, followed by a drop to 5 by 16:00. By the evening, the index retreats further to 2 at 18:00 and settles at a gentle 1 by 19:00, indicating that the risk of overexposure has significantly diminished.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, which impacts sun exposure and burn risk. January and December are the safest months, with a low UV Index of 2, allowing for up to 45 minutes of sun without significant risk. In February, the risk increases to moderate (UV Index 4) with a burn time of 30 minutes. March sees a jump to high (UV Index 7) and a burn time of just 25 minutes. The high-risk months are from April to July, where the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 11, demanding minimal sun exposure of only 10 minutes. August and September remain very high (UV Index 10 and 8, respectively), with burn times of 15 minutes. As the weather cools down in October through November, the UV Index drops to moderate, allowing for longer burn times again. It's essential for visitors and residents to protect themselves, especially during the high-risk months, through sunscreen application, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Sangiyn Dalay | 2 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |