Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for everyone in Khan Neshin, Afghanistan, where the climate is characterized by hot and dry conditions (BWh climate zone). As the sun reaches its peak intensity, UV levels can soar, making it essential to stay informed to protect your skin health. With a maximum UV Index of 13 typically occurring around midday, exposure during these hours can lead to severe sunburns and long-term skin damage. Grasping the significance of UV levels not only aids in sunburn prevention but also enhances your overall skin health, encouraging safe outdoor activities while minimizing risks.
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 experience significant fluctuations, impacting the risk of sun exposure for both visitors and residents. High-risk months include March to July, where UV index values peak at 13, indicating an extreme exposure category and a burn time as short as 10 minutes. April and May are particularly notable for maintaining these intense levels. Conversely, the winter months of January and December feature a moderate UV index of 5, allowing for safer sun exposure with a burn time of 30 minutes. To ensure safety, it is crucial for individuals to take precautions during the high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV radiation is most intense. Additionally, even on overcast days, UV rays can still penetrate, warranting continued vigilance regardless of the weather.
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 |
| Khan Neshin | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 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 |