Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Mashhad, Afghanistan, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health from harmful solar radiation. With UV levels soaring to a maximum of 12 during the peak hours, awareness of these values helps residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Given Mashhad’s Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers, the risk of excessive UV exposure is notably high, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin from the sun's damaging effects.
Stay sun-safe with a look at today’s UV Index! Starting off at 7:00 AM, the day begins with a moderate UVI of 3. As the sun rises higher, the intensity ramps up dramatically, peaking at 12:00 PM with a maximum UV Index of 12, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The midday hours are particularly critical, with 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM showcasing the highest levels, reaching an intense 11 and 12. After this peak, the risk begins to decline, dropping to a more manageable 5 by 3:00 PM and tapering off further as the sun sets, resting at a safe 0 by 7:00 PM. Keep these fluctuations in mind to protect your skin throughout the day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. From January (UV Index 5, moderate) to April (UV Index 10, very high), the risk of UV exposure intensifies notably. The months of May through August see the most extreme levels, with the UV index reaching a peak of 12 during this period, where burn times decrease to just 10 minutes. September marks a slight decline to a UV Index of 10 (very high), followed by October (UV Index 7, high). The risk decreases again in the fall and winter months, with November and December showing moderate levels (UV Index 5 and 4, respectively) allowing for burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of March, April, May, June, July, and August, taking protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, long sleeves, and hats, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to reduce risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Mashhad | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Herat UVI | 5 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 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 |