Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Gowurdak, Turkmenistan, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the region's arid BSk climate. Understanding the UV levels throughout the day can help residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun exposure. With peak UV readings soaring to 11 during midday hours, it’s essential to take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, to shield yourself from harmful effects. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny days of Gowurdak while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate 3, signaling an increase in sun exposure. The peak arrives between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, hitting a striking 11, where protective measures are essential. As the afternoon rolls in, the index gradually declines, dipping to 9 at 2:00 PM and then down to 5 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, it returns to a safe 1 by 6:00 PM, wrapping up a day marked by a significant solar intensity that calls for vigilance during the peak hours.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dasoguz UVI | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Balkanabat UVI | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Turkmenabat UVI | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Gowurdak | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Mary UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Ashgabat UVI | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |