Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Deh-e Salah, Afghanistan, where the sun can be particularly intense. With UV levels peaking at 13 around noon, awareness of these measurements is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Given the region's Dsb climate, which often sees clear skies and strong sunlight, recognizing the risks associated with high UV exposure is vital for maintaining overall well-being. Whether you're planning outdoor activities or simply enjoying the day, staying informed about the UV Index can help you enjoy the beautiful Afghan landscape safely.
The UV Index (UVI) throughout the day presents a striking pattern of intensity and risk. Starting at 07:00, the index is a mild 3, but by 08:00, it surges to 6, indicating a moderate risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity peaks dramatically at 10:00, hitting a blistering 12, and maintains a high level of 13 at both 11:00 and 12:00. As the afternoon progresses, the UVI begins to decline, dropping to 11 at 13:00 and then more notably to 8 at 14:00. By 15:00, it further decreases to 5, signaling a safer window for outdoor activities, before tapering off to 3 by 16:00. As evening approaches, the index falls to a low 1 by 17:00, remaining at this level until it hits 0 by 19:00. For sun safety, the key takeaway is to protect yourself during the peak hours of 10:00 to 14:00 when the UV intensity is most severe.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 09:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | 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 |
During the year, UV Index levels show significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months spanning from February to September, where the index reaches extreme values (11-13). Notably, March through August pose the highest risk, characterized by a UV Index of 11 or higher and a burn time as short as 10 minutes. As a result, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take proper precautions during these months, such as using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. As the year shifts to October and November, the risk decreases, but individuals should remain aware of UV exposure, particularly in February and March, when levels are particularly high. Conversely, in December, the UV Index drops to a moderate level of 4, allowing for 30 minutes of exposure before burning occurs.
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 |
| Deh-e Salah | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |