Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Qarchi Gak, Afghanistan, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the region's arid BSk climate. During peak sunlight hours, the UV Index can soar to 11, indicating a severe risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being aware of UV levels helps residents take necessary precautions, such as wearing protective clothing or applying sunscreen, to safeguard against skin damage and long-term health issues. As you navigate the sunny days in Qarchi Gak, staying informed about UV exposure can make all the difference in preserving your skin’s health while enjoying the outdoors.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index climbs steadily, peaking at 11 between 11:00 and 12:00, signaling a strong need for sun protection during these hours. Starting from a mild 3 at 07:00, the intensity rapidly rises, reaching a noticeable 5 by 08:00 and soaring to 9 by 10:00. However, the sun's intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 7 and then 5 from 13:00 to 15:00. By 16:00, the UV Index retreats to 3, and as evening sets in, it diminishes further to 1 by 17:00 and falls to 0 by 19:00. It's crucial to stay vigilant during those peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the most critical months for UV exposure being April through August. During April, the UV Index reaches 9, categorized as very high, with a burn time of only 15 minutes. This escalates to an extreme level of 11 in May, June, and July, where individuals can get sunburned in just 10 minutes of unprotected exposure. While August and September still present high UV levels of 10 and 9 respectively, the risk begins to diminish by October, returning to high with a 7 index. During the winter months of November and December, the UV Index lowers to 4 and 3, marking the moderate category and allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. For the benefit of visitors and residents, it is crucial to take protective measures during the high-risk months, particularly from April to August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qarchi Gak | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 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 |