Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Chahar Qal'ah, Afghanistan, where the climate's Dsb classification brings about significant sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and contributes to overall skin health, making it essential for outdoor activities. With daily peaks reaching UV Index values of up to 13, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, understanding these levels is vital for safeguarding against potential skin damage. As you enjoy the sunlit days in Chahar Qal'ah, stay informed and take the necessary precautions to protect your skin.
The UV Index (UVI) throughout the day presents a striking pattern of intensity and risk. Starting at 07:00, the index is a mild 3, but by 08:00, it surges to 6, indicating a moderate risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity peaks dramatically at 10:00, hitting a blistering 12, and maintains a high level of 13 at both 11:00 and 12:00. As the afternoon progresses, the UVI begins to decline, dropping to 11 at 13:00 and then more notably to 8 at 14:00. By 15:00, it further decreases to 5, signaling a safer window for outdoor activities, before tapering off to 3 by 16:00. As evening approaches, the index falls to a low 1 by 17:00, remaining at this level until it hits 0 by 19:00. For sun safety, the key takeaway is to protect yourself during the peak hours of 10:00 to 14:00 when the UV intensity is most severe.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 09:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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, the UV Index shows significant variation, particularly peaking during the spring and summer months. From March to August, the UV Index reaches extreme levels (11-14), with April and May being the highlights at a UV Index of 12 and 14, respectively, offering only 10 minutes of burn time for unprotected skin. February and October are also notable high-risk months with UV levels categorized as very high (8 and 9) but longer burn times of 15 minutes. As a result, it's crucial for both visitors and residents to take extra precautions from February through September, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to mitigate the risk of skin damage. The UV Index drops significantly in the fall and winter, allowing safer outdoor activity, particularly in November and December where burn times extend to 25 and 30 minutes, respectively.
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 |
| 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 |
| Chahar Qal'ah | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 |