Last updated: July 2, 2025
In March, the UV Index in Afghanistan begins to rise, making awareness of UV levels especially crucial for skin health and sunburn prevention. With maximum UV Index readings reaching up to 12 during midday, understanding these levels can help residents and visitors protect themselves from harmful sun exposure. As the climate transitions into spring, and outdoor activities increase, the risks associated with higher UV radiation become more significant—highlighting the need for vigilance and the use of adequate sun protection measures. Stay informed and prioritize your skin's health as you enjoy the warming weather!
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the day's sun strength. As the sun rises at 07:00, it starts with a moderate 4, but the intensity ramps up quickly. By 09:00, it reaches 9, signaling a clear need for protection as we approach midday. The peak comes at 11:00 and 12:00, where it soars to a maximum of 12—a level where sunscreen and shade are essential. After this peak, the index begins a gradual descent, dropping to 10 by 13:00, then further to 8 at 14:00, and continues its decline into the late afternoon. By 16:00, it rests at 3, winding down to a safe 1 by 17:00, only to fade to 0 by evening. This hourly journey underscores the importance of being sun-smart during midday, while providing relief as the day cools off.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 09:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure levels fluctuate significantly, peaking during the late spring and summer months. High-risk months include March to August, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11 to 13, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. In contrast, January and December show a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring transitions into summer, the risk of skin damage increases dramatically, with April and May also registering an extreme UV Index of 12. Visitors and residents should stay informed about these seasonal changes and take precautionary measures during high-risk months, such as wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to safeguard their skin health.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazar-e Sharif UVI | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Jalalabad UVI | 4 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Herat UVI | 5 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| March | 4 | 6 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Kandahar UVI | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| Kabul UVI | 6 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |