Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ulan Bator, Mongolia is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As the capital of a region characterized by a cold semi-arid climate (BSk), Ulan Bator experiences fluctuating UV levels that can peak significantly, especially during midday hours. With UV Index values soaring to 9 around noon, awareness of these levels can help you take necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and minimize the risk of long-term skin damage. By recognizing the UV exposure risks in Ulan Bator, you can better enjoy the sunshine while keeping your skin safe!
From 07:00 to 09:00, the UV Index starts gradually rising, reaching a moderate level of 4 by 09:00. The sun's intensity peaks from 11:00 to 13:00, with the index soaring to a high of 9, demanding caution for outdoor activities during these hours. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index dips to 8 at 14:00, then gradually declines to 6 by 15:00, and continues to fall until it reaches a gentle 1 by 19:00. For those planning to enjoy the outdoors, the peak UV hours to be mindful of are between 11:00 and 13:00, when sun protection is essential!
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with high-risk months identified as May through August, when the UV Index reaches a peak of 9, categorizing it as very high and resulting in a burn time of just 15 minutes. As the year progresses, the UV exposure starts low in January (Index 2) and gradually increases, peaking during the summer months before tapering off. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during the high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours. Starting in September, the risk decreases but remains moderately high, so vigilance is still necessary until the UV Index drops further in late autumn and winter.
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 | 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 |