Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Sang Atesh, Afghanistan, where the sun’s intense rays can pose significant risks to skin health. High UV levels, particularly during midday hours, can lead to severe sunburn and increase the risk of long-term skin damage. With a typical climate characterized by dry summers and prolonged sun exposure, knowing when to protect yourself can make all the difference between enjoying the outdoors and dealing with painful consequences. As daylight unfolds in Sang Atesh, UV exposure peaks around noon, reaching an index of 12—a reminder to stay vigilant and safeguard your skin against harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day presents an intriguing ebb and flow. Starting off at a gentle 2 at 07:00, it quickly climbs to 5 by 08:00 as the sun rises higher. The peak radiance hits at 12:00, reaching an intense 12, signaling a time when protection from the sun is crucial. From 11:00 to 13:00, the index remains high, hovering around 11 and 12, before beginning a noticeable decline. By 14:00, it drops to 8 and continues to fall, dropping to a mere 1 by 18:00 and finally resting at 0 after sunset. This data highlights the importance of staying sun-safe during the mid-day hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
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 | 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 |
Sang Atesh | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 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 |