Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Du Qal'ah, Afghanistan, awareness of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly in a region where the BWh climate can expose you to intense sunlight. With peak UV Index values reaching 12 in the early afternoon, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is vital. By staying informed, you can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing the risks associated with harmful UV exposure.
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting at 07:00, the index is a modest 2, gradually climbing to 4 by 08:00. The real heat kicks in by 09:00, reaching 7, and peaks at a blistering 12 by 12:00. This is the moment to slather on sunscreen and find shade, as the UV levels remain dangerously high at 11 until 13:00. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to dip—falling to 9 by 14:00 and then to 6 at 15:00. By 16:00, it further decreases to 3, eventually winding down to a gentle 1 by 18:00 and 0 by 19:00. This data beautifully illustrates the importance of protecting your skin during the peak hours of UV radiation, especially between 10:00 and 14:00 when the sun is at its fiercest.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, peaking during the spring and summer months. The highest risk months are March through August, with UV Index levels reaching as high as 13 in May. During these months, the exposure categories are classified as very high to extreme, meaning that burn times are drastically reduced to just 10–15 minutes. Conversely, from November to February, the UV Index drops to moderate levels, with longer burn times of 30 minutes or more. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during the high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
Du Qal'ah | 5 | 7 | 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 |