Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Farah, Afghanistan, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health due to the region's arid BWh climate. High UV levels, especially from late morning to early afternoon, can pose significant risks, including painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. During the peak hours, the UV Index can soar to a maximum of 12, indicating the need for effective sun protection. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the sunny outdoors safely while minimizing the risks associated with excessive sun 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 |
Farah | 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 |