Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Tsagaan-Ovoo, Mongolia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. As a region characterized by a BWk climate, the sun can be intense, with peak UV levels reaching a high of 10 around midday. Awareness of these UV levels enables residents and visitors to take proactive measures against harmful exposure, ensuring outdoor activities can be enjoyed while minimizing the risk of skin damage. Whether you're trekking in the vast steppe or enjoying the sunshine, keeping an eye on the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index experiences a dramatic rise, peaking at an intense 10 around 1 PM, signaling the highest level of harmful UV radiation. Early morning hours start gently, with a maximum of 1 at 7 AM, gradually increasing to a moderate 4 by 9 AM. The ascent continues steadily, reaching a notable 8 between 11 AM and 12 PM before soaring to its zenith. After this peak, the index begins to wane, declining to 5 by 4 PM and dropping further to a safe 1 by 7 PM. It’s vital to stay protected during the peak hours of 11 AM to 3 PM to enjoy the sunshine without compromising skin health.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 does the UV Index, significantly impacting sun safety. From January to March, the UV levels remain relatively low to moderate, with burn times ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. Starting in April, the UV Index escalates dramatically, peaking from May to August at a very high level of 10, where burn time drops to just 15 minutes, making these the highest-risk months for skin damage. As fall approaches in September, the risk decreases slightly to high (UV Index 7), followed by a return to moderate levels in October and November. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the summer months by limiting sun exposure, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently. In winter, the UV risk lowers, but it’s still advisable to be cautious, especially on bright days.
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 |
| Tsagaan-Ovoo | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |