Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's BWh climate, characterized by high temperatures and intense sunlight, being aware of UV levels helps you take necessary precautions against harmful exposure. Peak UV Index values can soar to 13, meaning sunburn can occur in as little as 10 minutes without protection. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can better plan your activities and safeguard your skin from damage, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable experience under the Afghan sun.
As the sun rises at 07:00, the UV Index begins at a moderate level of 3, gradually climbing to 5 by 08:00. The real intensity hits between 09:00 and 12:00, peaking at an impressive 13 during the late morning hours. From 11:00 to 12:00, the sun shines fiercely, urging everyone to take precautions. After noon, there's a noticeable drop; the index eases back to 11 at 13:00, then further declines to 8 by 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index settles to 5 at 15:00, before tapering off to 3 at 16:00, and eventually fading to 1 by 17:00 and 0 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun safety, particularly during the peak hours of 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, when UV exposure reaches its zenith.
| 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 | 13 | 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 | 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 |