Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Qarah Bagh, Afghanistan, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health, especially given the area's significant sun exposure. With a BSk climate characterized by sunny days and varying altitudes, residents and visitors are at risk when UV Index peaks reach 14 around midday. Staying informed about UV levels can help you take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the risk of harmful skin effects.
The UV Index data paints a vivid picture of a sun-drenched day. Beginning at 07:00, the index starts at 4, signaling moderate sun exposure but swiftly escalates as the sun climbs. By 09:00, it hits 10, a threshold that mandates protection for most skin types. The peak intensity arrives at 11:00 with a blistering 14, urging everyone to seek shade and wear sunscreen. After the midday zenith, the numbers start to decline, with 13:00 dropping to 11 and a gentle fade to 8 by 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the index continues to drop, reaching a cool 2 by 16:00, and finally tapering off to 1 by 18:00. The day concludes with a restful 0 at 19:00, signaling a safe return to outdoor activities. Remember, amidst the high UV levels, staying protected during peak hours is essential!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 09:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 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 experiences significant fluctuations, with high-risk months occurring from February to September. The index peaks in May and July at a striking 14, indicating an extreme risk for sunburn, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. From March to August, the UV levels remain in the extreme category, requiring heightened caution. Conversely, during the winter months, particularly in January and November, UV exposure is classified as high, with longer burn times of 25 minutes, while in December it is moderate with a 30-minute burn time. Given these fluctuations, it’s crucial for both visitors and residents to practice sun safety—wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and minimizing sun exposure during peak hours, especially in the high-risk months.
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 |
| Qarah Bagh | 7 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 |