Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With a BWh climate that often exposes residents to intense sunlight, awareness of UV levels becomes essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. The UV Index can peak as high as 13 during midday, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By recognizing these levels, residents can take proactive steps to minimize risk and enjoy the outdoors safely. Stay informed and safeguard yourself against the sun's powerful rays!
The day's UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern of sunlight intensity, peaking at an impressive 13 at 12:00 PM. As the morning unfolds, 07:00 starts with a gentle 3, gradually climbing to 5 by 08:00 and reaching 8 at 09:00. As the clock strikes 10:00, the index surges to 11, hitting its maximum of 12 at 11:00. This intense solar radiation begins to ease off in the afternoon; a significant drop occurs to 8 by 02:00 PM, continuing to decline to 6 at 03:00 PM. By the late afternoon, the UV Index settles back to 3 at 04:00 PM, before tapering down to 1 by the end of the day, showing a transition towards safety from midday’s peak intensity. Be sure to protect your skin during those midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | 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 |
| Lashkar Gah | 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 |