Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Markaz-e Hukumat-e Sultan-e Bakwah, Afghanistan, where the semi-arid climate presents unique sun exposure challenges. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for safeguarding your long-term skin health. With maximum UV levels peaking between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, reaching as high as 12, it’s vital to take protective measures during these hours. As the sun's intensity can lead to significant skin damage, being informed allows you to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing risks associated with high UV exposure.
As the sun ascends, the UV Index rises dramatically. At 07:00, it starts at a gentle 2, offering a safe environment for morning activities. By 08:00, it climbs to 4, signaling the need for some sun protection. The intensity peaks at 10:00 with a striking 10, reaching its maximum at 11:00 and 12:00 with a peak UV Index of 12—definitely time to seek shade or lather on the sunscreen! As the afternoon progresses, intensity begins to wane, dropping to 9 by 14:00, then 6 at 15:00. The sun retreats, and by 17:00, we see a much softer 2, transitioning to a cozy 1 at 18:00 and finally settling at a safe 0 by 19:00. Overall, this UV Index profile underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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, UV Index levels experience significant fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. January and December generally see moderate UV exposure (UV Index 5 and 4, respectively), allowing for around 30 minutes before risk of burning. In February, the risk escalates to high (UV Index 7) with a 25-minute burn time. The peak season occurs from March through September, where the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels, particularly in April and May (UV Index 11 and 13). During this period, visitors and residents have a mere 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure before risking skin damage. October starts the decline to very high (UV Index 8), followed by high conditions in November. To stay safe, it is advisable to use sun protection like SPF, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during high-risk months, especially from March to September.
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 |
| Markaz-e Hukumat-e Sultan-e Bakwah | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 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 |