Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Qaranghu Toghai, Afghanistan, is crucial for protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. As a region characterized by a BSk climate, residents and visitors alike face unique UV exposure risks, particularly during the midday hours when the index peaks at 11. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take proactive measures to shield yourself from harmful rays, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience. Whether you're enjoying the sun or embarking on an adventure, awareness of the UV Index is your first line of defense against sun damage.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic profile, peaking at 11 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Morning hours start off mild, with values of 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 5 by 9:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index hits 10 at 11:00 AM, before maxing out at 11. The afternoon sees a slight decline, dipping to 9 at 2:00 PM and continuing to fall, settling at 3 by 5:00 PM. As the day winds down, UV levels drop, returning to 1 by 6:00 PM, reminding us to seek shade and stay protected during those peak midday hours. 🌞
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Seasonal UV changes show a significant increase from winter to summer, peaking in May, June, and July with an extreme UV Index of 11 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Notably, April marks the transition to very high levels at 9, while March reaches a high level of 7. August and September continue with very high ratings of 10 and 9 respectively, indicating continued caution is needed during these months. High-risk months for UV exposure, therefore, are April through September, when the UV Index is consistently high to extreme. Visitors and residents should take proper precautions, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. As the year progresses towards fall and winter, UV levels decrease, returning to a moderate level (3-5), but vigilance remains important for skin protection at any time of the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qaranghu Toghai | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |