Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Qal'ah-ye Kuhnah, Afghanistan, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With its BSk climate, the region experiences significant UV exposure, especially during midday hours when the index peaks at 12. Being aware of these levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With UV ratings fluctuating throughout the day—from a moderate 2 at 7 AM to a high-risk 12 at noon—it's essential for residents and visitors alike to monitor the UV Index to ensure safe outdoor activities year-round. Protecting yourself from harmful UV rays is not just a personal choice; it's a vital step towards maintaining skin health in this sun-drenched landscape.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index starts off low at 2 by 7:00 AM, but quickly rises as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 8:00 AM, it surges to 5, making it a good time to apply that sunscreen. The peak occurs between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, reaching a high of 12, indicating very high levels of UV radiation—perfect for seeking some shade! After the midday peak, the index begins to decline, tapering off to 9 by 2:00 PM and further down to 3 by late afternoon at 4:00 PM. By evening, the UV threat diminishes significantly, dropping to 0 by 7:00 PM. It's a reminder to stay sun-safe during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels typically occurring from March to September. The high-risk months are clearly marked by extreme UV exposure, particularly in April to August, where the UV Index reaches between 11 and 13, corresponding to burn times as short as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade when outdoors, especially during peak hours. As the year progresses, UV levels decline, with January and December presenting lower risks (UV Index 4 and 5, respectively) and longer burn times, allowing for a more manageable outdoor experience.
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 |
| Qal'ah-ye Kuhnah | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 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 |