Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Qala i Naw, Afghanistan, where the sun’s rays can be particularly intense. With its Csa climate, characterized by hot summers, awareness of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. During peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV Index often reaches levels as high as 12, indicating an increased risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun safety and enjoy the sunny days ahead!
Starting off the day, the UV Index begins at a modest 2 at 07:00, gradually rising to a moderately high 4 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity peaks with a striking 12 at 12:00, marking the sun’s strongest rays. The Index remains remarkably high, peaking at 11 from 11:00 to 13:00, prompting sun safety precautions. By 14:00, the value drops to 8, then continues to decline, ending the day at a minimal 0 by 19:00. With this data, it's clear that the sun calls for protection during the midday hours, especially between 10:00 and 13:00, making sunscreen and shade a must for outdoor activities!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 4 | 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 | 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 |