Last updated: June 2, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Bala Murghab, Afghanistan, where the sun's intensity can rise to hazardous levels. Understanding the UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, especially during the peak hours of exposure, which typically occur around noon. With the local climate classified as Csa, Bala Murghab experiences a dry summer with potential for elevated UV exposure—reaching a maximum index of 12 in mid-afternoon. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can better safeguard your skin and enjoy the sunny Afghan outdoors safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 2 by 07:00, but it quickly ramps up, hitting 5 by 08:00. The intensity peaks between 11:00 and 12:00, reaching its maximum of 12, making it essential to seek shade and wear protective clothing during this time. Following noon, the index begins a gradual decline, dropping to 10 at 13:00 and continuing down to 6 by 15:00. By late afternoon, the UV levels decrease significantly, falling to 2 at 17:00 and finally to 0 by 19:00, indicating a much safer environment as the day winds down. It’s a reminder to stay vigilant and protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV Index remains at a moderate level (4-5), with approximately 30 minutes of burn time. The risk escalates sharply starting in March, soaring to a very high index of 9 with a 15-minute burn time, peaking in May and June at an extreme level of 11-12, where the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. The high-risk months are clearly in the summer, particularly from May through July, when residents and visitors should take extra precautions to protect their skin. August to September sees a slight decline but still maintains very high levels, with burn times of 15 minutes. From October onward, the risk decreases, with the UV Index settling back into a moderate state by November and December. For those enjoying outdoor activities, it's crucial to remain vigilant and apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during peak UV times in the spring and summer months.
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 |
| Bala Murghab | 4 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 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 |