Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Zaybak, Afghanistan is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the peak exposure hours. As a location within a Dsc climate zone, Zaybak experiences significant UV radiation levels, peaking at 15 around midday. This makes it essential for residents and visitors to stay informed about UV levels to safeguard against skin damage and potential health risks associated with overexposure to the sun. Being aware of these levels, particularly when they reach extreme-high levels between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, can empower individuals to take proactive measures—like wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade—to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
The UV Index today displayed a dramatic spike, peaking at 15 around 11:00 AM, signaling a potent threat from sun exposure. As the sun climbed higher, the UVI climbed too, starting from a moderate 4 at 7:00 AM and hitting an intense 13 by 10:00 AM. The intensity gradually decreased after noon, dipping to 12 by 1:00 PM and then dropping sharply to 5 by 3:00 PM. By 6:00 PM, the index had scaled back to a safe 1, and by the time the sun set at 7:00 PM, it was at a negligible 0. This pattern underscores the importance of protecting your skin during peak hours, particularly from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, when UVI levels are at their most perilous.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 09:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 10:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 significantly varies, with the highest risk occurring from March to September. During these months, the UV Index peaks at 17 in May, which is categorized as extreme, indicating a burn time of only 10 minutes. February also poses a serious threat with an Index of 8, while January and November present high UV levels with indices of 6 and 7 respectively, requiring 25 minutes before burning. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to use effective sun protection measures, such as sunscreen, clothing, and shade, particularly during the high-risk months of March through September when UV levels are at their most hazardous. In contrast, December and January reflect a comparatively moderate UV exposure, making it safer but still warranting caution.
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 |
| 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 |
| Zaybak | 6 | 8 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 5 |