Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in El'brus, Russian Federation, is crucial for anyone looking to enjoy the area's stunning natural beauty while protecting their skin. With UV levels peaking at a significant 12 around noon, awareness of these fluctuations is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health. The high altitude climate typical of El'brus means that UV exposure can be especially intense, even on cloudy days. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy outdoor activities safely, minimizing risks and maximizing your time in this breathtaking environment.
Starting from early morning, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking dramatically at 12 around noon. From 07:00, when it starts at a mild 2, it climbs steadily, reaching 4 by 08:00 and hitting 7 by 09:00. The intensity of UV radiation escalates significantly, reaching 9 at 10:00 and soaring to its zenith of 11 by 11:00. The sun’s rays are most potent at 12:00, with the index peaking at 12—a reminder to prioritize sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dropping to 9 at 14:00, then to 7 by 15:00, and continuing its descent to 4 at 16:00. Finally, the evening brings relief as the UV Index falls to 2 at 17:00, and by sunset, it settles at a mere 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. This daily UV cycle highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, indicating changing levels of solar UV radiation exposure. January and December have a moderate UV Index of 3, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. As we move into February, the index rises to 5, maintaining the moderate level. From March through August, the risks escalate, with March and April reaching very high indices of 8 and 10, followed by an extreme peak of 12 in May and June. July sees a slight drop to 11, while August and September remain very high, giving burn times as low as 10 minutes during peak months. A notable reduction occurs in October with a high index of 7 and a burn time of 25 minutes, before reverting back to moderate levels in November. Visitors and residents should be especially cautious between March and August, when the UV levels pose the greatest risks; applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours will help mitigate exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Petersburg UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Nizhniy Novgorod UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Yekaterinburg UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Moscow UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Novosibirsk UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| El'brus | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |