Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Qala i Naw, Afghanistan is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As this region experiences a Csa climate, the sun's intensity can vary significantly throughout the day, with UV levels peaking around midday. Learning about these UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in long-term skin health. During the sunniest hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can reach as high as 12, signaling a strong risk for unprotected skin. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to enjoy the outdoors safely!
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a modest 3 by 7:00 AM, climbing steadily throughout the morning. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 7, signaling a need for sun protection, which becomes crucial as it peaks at 12 during the sunny hours of 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. After this high point, the intensity gradually decreases: 11 at 1:00 PM, then 8, 6, and dwindling down to 3 by 4:00 PM. As the evening approaches, the index drops further to a gentle 1 by 6:00 PM, and eventually settles at 0 by 7:00 PM, making it a safe time to enjoy the outdoors without the risk of strong UV exposure. Be sure to maximize your sun safety during the midday hours when the UV intensity is at its highest!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
Throughout the year, seasonal changes in UV exposure significantly impact the risk of sunburn for residents and visitors. The UV Index peaks between March and August, with May, June, and July classified as high-risk months, each featuring an extreme exposure category (Index of 12) and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during these months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, especially when the UV Index is 9 or above in March and April. As fall approaches, the UV Index gradually lowers to 10 in September and 7 in October, marking a decline in risk, but it remains important to stay aware until the onset of winter when lower UV levels return in November and December.
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 |
Qala i Naw | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 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 |