Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where the sun's intensity can pose significant health risks. The UV levels can soar, particularly during midday hours when they peak at 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. With Dushanbe's climate bringing abundant sunshine, being informed about the UV Index helps you make smarter decisions about sun safety, ensuring enjoyable and safe outdoor activities throughout the year.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins to rise slowly, peaking at 1 by 07:00 before climbing steadily throughout the morning. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 5, but the real intensity kicks in as the sun approaches its zenith. 10:00 marks a significant jump to 8, followed closely by an impressive peak of 11 at 12:00 and 13:00, indicating a high risk for unprotected skin. As the afternoon progresses, the index drops to 9 by 14:00, then gradually declines to 7 at 15:00, before tapering back to a safer 5 by 16:00. As the day winds down, the UV levels return to 2 at 17:00 and finally settle at 1 by 19:00, reminding us that while midday sun offers the most intense rays, protective measures are vital throughout the day.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure fluctuates significantly, with high-risk months typically occurring from March to August. In March, the UV Index rises to a high level of 7, indicating a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. This escalates in April and May, where the Index reaches 9 and 11, respectively, marking a very high to extreme threat with burn times decreasing to as little as 10 minutes by May. June and July maintain this extreme rating, prompting strict sun safety precautions. While August experiences a slight drop to a very high rating of 10, the risk remains. As September approaches, UV levels decrease to 9, then gradually continue to decline through the fall and winter months, returning to a moderate level of 3 in December. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures, particularly during the peak months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and minimizing sun exposure during peak hours to reduce the risk of UV-related harm.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khujand UVI | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Istaravshan UVI | 3 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Bokhtar UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Dushanbe | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Kulob UVI | 3 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |