Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Gereshk, Afghanistan, where the climate falls within the BWh zone, characterized by hot and dry conditions. With UV levels peaking sharply around midday—reaching a staggering 13 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM—awareness of these values can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and skin health. By staying informed about UV exposure risks, individuals can take proactive measures to protect their skin from harmful effects, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience under the sun in this vibrant region.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, peaking dramatically around 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a scorching 13. Early risers will note a calm start with a gentle 2 at 7:00 AM, but by 9:00 AM, the index surges to 8, signaling a strong need for sun protection. The intensity continues to escalate until it achieves its zenith at 10:00 AM with a blistering 11. After the midday peak, a gradual decline follows, with the index dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM and dwindling to 1 at 5:00 PM. By sunset, the UV intensity fades into oblivion at 7:00 PM, registering a reassuring 0. This data serves as a reminder to stay vigilant against UV exposure during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 fluctuate significantly, with the highest risks occurring from March to August. During these months, the UV Index peaks at 13, categorized as extreme, with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes if proper precautions are not taken. April and May represent the months with the highest values, making them critical periods for sun safety. As fall approaches, September and October still present considerable risk, with very high indices of 10 and 8, respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to take appropriate protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially during these high-risk months to prevent harmful skin damage. In contrast, January and December show lower UV levels (5), and while caution is still warranted, the risks are significantly diminished during these winter 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 |
| Gereshk | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| 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 |