Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Bamyan, Afghanistan, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you take preventive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. The region experiences a Dsc climate, with bright, intense sunlight that can lead to significant UV exposure, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the UV Index peaks at a staggering 14. By being aware of these levels, residents and visitors can enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risks associated with overexposure to ultraviolet rays.
From sunrise to sunset, the UV Index tells a compelling story of a day's sunlight intensity. Beginning at 07:00 AM, the index starts at a modest 4, gradually climbing with the rising sun. By 09:00 AM, it reaches a peak of 10, signaling the sun's strength is becoming increasingly potent. The intensity hits its maximum at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, both recording an impressive 14. As the afternoon unfolds, a gentle decline begins, dropping to 12 by 1:00 PM and tapering off further to 9 by 2:00 PM. By 3:00 PM, it decreases to 6 as shadows lengthen, and by 5:00 PM, it dwindles to just 1, signaling the day's end with a 0 at 7:00 PM. It's a vivid reminder to protect your skin during peak hours, particularly from 10 AM to 2 PM when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 09:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, significantly impacting sun exposure risks. January starts with a high UV Index of 6, indicating a burn time of 25 minutes. However, starting in February, the UV levels rise sharply, peaking in the summer months from March to September, where the index reaches extremes of 12 to 15, with a critical burn time of just 10 minutes. October shows a slight decline to a very high Index of 9, while November and December return to a high and moderate exposure category, respectively. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions, particularly during the high-risk months of March through September, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and minimizing direct sun exposure during peak hours.
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 |
| Bamyan | 6 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 5 |