Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the rugged landscapes of Murghob, Tajikistan, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for everyone enjoying the great outdoors. The UV levels here can soar dramatically, peaking at 15 during midday, which underscores the importance of protecting your skin from harmful rays that can lead to sunburn and long-term skin issues. Given Murghob's high-altitude climate in the ET zone, enthusiasts and locals alike must stay informed about daily UV trends to ensure their health—especially during the sunniest hours when exposure risks are at their highest. By understanding the UV index, you can effectively safeguard your skin and enjoy all that this stunning region has to offer!
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting off gently at 3 by 07:00, it climbs steadily, reaching 5 by 08:00. As the sun ascends, the index soars to a peak of 15 at 12:00, signaling the highest risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this apex, there’s a gradual decline; by 14:00, it dips to 11 and continues to fall, reaching 8 by 15:00. By the evening, the index dwindles to a mere 1 by 18:00, suggesting a much safer environment for those evening strolls. Always remember to take precautions during the peak hours of 10:00 to 13:00!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 index levels vary significantly, with the highest risk months being from March to September, where the index reaches extreme levels (13-16), corresponding to a burn time of only 10 minutes. February marks a shift into high levels with an index of 7, while October presents a slight decrease to a very high index of 10, allowing for a longer burn time of 15 minutes. During the winter, in January and December, UV exposure is considered moderate with longer burn times of 30 minutes. It is crucial for visitors and residents to be vigilant and protect themselves with sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing during the high-risk months, especially from April to August, when the UV index remains consistently high. Regular checks of local UV index forecasts can help ensure a safe outdoor experience.
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 UVI | 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 |
| Murghob | 4 | 7 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 4 |