Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the stunning region of El'brus, Russian Federation, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for promoting skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding the daily fluctuation of UV levels can help residents and visitors alike protect themselves from harmful radiation, particularly with the region’s unique climate characterized by high-altitude exposure. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 around noon, it’s important to take precautions, especially during the warmer months. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of El'brus while safeguarding your skin against potential damage.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a striking pattern of intensity. Starting at a modest 2 at 07:00, the sun's potential to harm increases steadily, peaking at 11 between 12:00 and 13:00—the most critical hours for sun exposure. The intensity then begins to decline, dropping to 9 by 14:00 and tapering down to 4 by 16:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index falls to 2 at 17:00 and descends to a safe 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. This fluctuation emphasizes the importance of sun protection during midday, especially when the UV levels are at their highest. Stay vigilant, enjoy the sun, but remember to shield your skin!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | 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 | 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 |