Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Chahar Qal'ah, Afghanistan is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With high UV levels particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, awareness of these fluctuations can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. This region typically experiences a Dsb climate, characterized by significant sun exposure and varying UV risks throughout the day. By familiarizing yourself with the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun protection and enjoy the outdoors safely.
The hourly UV Index paints an intriguing picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting at a mild 3 by 07:00, it swiftly climbs to 6 by 08:00, signaling the onset of stronger rays. As the day progresses, the UV Index reaches its peak at a striking 14 during both 11:00 and 12:00, urging everyone to seek shade and apply sunscreen. After this midday crescendo, the intensity gradually diminishes, dropping to 9 by 14:00, and then to a gentle 3 by 16:00. By the evening hours, the UV Index settles down to a mere 1 by 17:00, with the sun's influence waning completely, reaching 0 by 19:00. This data reminds us to stay vigilant during the peak hours, ensuring our skin's well-being under the blazing sun.
| 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 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 |