Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Maymana, Afghanistan, as it plays a crucial role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. The UV levels can peak significantly throughout the day, with values reaching as high as 12 around noon—indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With Maymana's Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers, being aware of these UV fluctuations is vital to ensure safe outdoor activities and minimize harmful effects. Knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in maintaining your skin’s well-being.
The sun takes center stage today with a dramatic rise in the UV Index from the early morning. Starting at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM, the intensity escalates quickly, peaking at 12 by noon. The UV Index hits its highest mark of 11 at 11:00 AM, signaling a strong need for sun protection during these hours. As the afternoon rolls in, the levels begin to taper off, dropping to 5 by 3:00 PM, and gradually falling to 0 by 7:00 PM. It’s a perfect reminder that the sun's rays can be powerful, especially during midday—stay prepared and protect yourself when the UV levels soar!
| 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 | 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 exhibit notable fluctuations, peaking during the warmer months. January and February see moderate UV levels (Index 4-5), with a burn time of 30 minutes. As we transition into March and April, UV exposure rises sharply, reaching very high levels (Index 9-10) and reducing burn time to just 15 minutes. The months of May through August represent the high-risk period, with extreme UV values (Index 11-12) and a burn time of only 10 minutes. Although UV levels begin to decrease in September (Index 9) and October (Index 7), caution is still advised as the risk remains noteworthy, particularly on sunny days. By November and December, UV levels return to moderate (Index 3-4) with longer burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly encouraged to take protective measures, especially from March to August, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours 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 |
| Maymana | 4 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 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 |