Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Shahritus, Tajikistan, where the climate can elevate sun exposure risks, particularly during the hottest hours of the day. With peak UV levels often soaring to 11, awareness of UV index readings can significantly aid in preventing sunburns and protecting skin health. This arid climate (BSk) brings intense sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., making it essential to monitor UV levels and take necessary precautions. By staying informed, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while keeping your skin safe from harmful UV radiation.
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 |
Seasonal UV changes show a significant increase from winter to summer, peaking in May, June, and July with an extreme UV Index of 11 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Notably, April marks the transition to very high levels at 9, while March reaches a high level of 7. August and September continue with very high ratings of 10 and 9 respectively, indicating continued caution is needed during these months. High-risk months for UV exposure, therefore, are April through September, when the UV Index is consistently high to extreme. Visitors and residents should take proper precautions, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. As the year progresses towards fall and winter, UV levels decrease, returning to a moderate level (3-5), but vigilance remains important for skin protection at any time of the year.
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 |
| Shahritus | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 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 |