Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Fayzabad, Afghanistan, as it serves as a vital indicator of solar radiation levels throughout the day. With the area's BSk climate, characterized by dry, hot summers, awareness of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but is also essential for long-term skin health. The UV Index in Fayzabad can reach a peak of 11 around midday, presenting significant risks for unprotected skin. By staying informed about these levels, individuals can take necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely and protect their well-being.
The UV Index reveals a striking pattern of sun exposure throughout the day. Starting at 7:00 AM, the index is a modest 2, but as the sun climbs higher, it reaches its peak intensity at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a soaring 11—a clear signal to seek shade! By 1:00 PM, it dips slightly to 10, yet remains in the high-risk zone until 2:00 PM when it begins to wane to 8. The afternoon continues its descent, hitting 5 at 3:00 PM, before falling to a much safer 1 by 5:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, the UV Index plummets to 0, ushering in a welcome reprieve from the sun. If you’re planning outdoor activities, the early hours are best avoided, especially around midday when the UV exposure is at its peak!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | 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 levels show significant seasonal fluctuations that are crucial for both visitors and residents to understand. From January to February, the UV Index remains in the moderate range (4-5) with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring approaches, March and April see a sharp rise to a very high level (8-9), reducing burn time to just 15 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure are May to July, when the index reaches an extreme level (11), necessitating protective measures in just 10 minutes. In August and September, the levels slightly decline but remain very high (9-10), with a burn time of 15 minutes. As autumn sets in, October drops to a high index of 7, offering a burn time of 25 minutes, before returning to moderate levels in November and December. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions, especially during the high-risk months from March to August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Fayzabad | 4 | 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 |
| 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 |