Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents of Maymana, Afghanistan, where the sun can be particularly intense, especially during the peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM when the UV Index soars to a maximum of 11. Staying informed about UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, as prolonged exposure can lead to serious skin conditions. With Maymana's Csa climate, characterized by hot summers, the risk of UV exposure increases, making it essential for locals to take protective measures against harmful rays throughout the day. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beauty of Maymana safely!
The UV Index throughout the day reflects a dramatic rise and fall in sun exposure. Starting at a modest 3 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, hitting 5 by 8:00 AM. As the sun ascends, it peaks at an intense 11 during the hours of 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, signaling the most dangerous time for outdoor activities without protection. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, dropping to 8 at 2:00 PM, before continuing down to 5 at 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the index further decreases to 3 at 4:00 PM, dwindling to 1 by 5:00 PM, and finally reaching 0 at 7:00 PM, marking a safe return to low UV conditions as the day fades. It's crucial to stay protected during those peak hours when the UV index is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | 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 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 |