Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Dasht-e Qal'ah, Afghanistan, staying aware of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health in this arid BSk climate. Understanding UV levels can dramatically reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities safely. During peak hours, particularly between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to 13, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With these intense UV levels typical in Dasht-e Qal'ah, being informed is your best defense against the sun's harmful rays.
The UV Index today reaches its peak intensity around 11:00 AM, soaring to a striking 13 before slowly tapering off. Starting from a modest 3 at 7:00 AM, it climbs steadily, hitting 8 by 9:00 AM and 11 by 10:00 AM. After its midday high, the index gradually declines throughout the afternoon, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM and dwindling to 1 by 5:00 PM, ultimately settling at 0 by 7:00 PM. To ensure safety during peak hours, it's crucial to maximize sun protection, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the risk is the highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | 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 |
Throughout the year, seasonal changes in UV levels highlight varying risks associated with sun exposure. The high-risk months for UV radiation are from March to September, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11 to 13, resulting in very short burn times of just 10 minutes. This emphasizes the necessity for residents and visitors to take protective measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing, especially during peak sunlight hours. As the year progresses into October, the UV Index drops to 8 (very high) with a burn time of 15 minutes, still indicating significant risk. In contrast, November and December see more moderate exposure levels with indices of 5 and 4 and burn times of 30 minutes, where precautions can be relaxed but still remain prudent. Overall, staying informed about UV changes and adapting sun safety practices accordingly is essential for everyone.
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 |
| Dasht-e Qal'ah | 5 | 6 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 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 |