Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Musa Qal'ah, Afghanistan, where the climate is characterized by its arid BWh zone. With UV levels often peaking at dangerous heights—reaching a maximum of 13 during midday—being aware of the UV Index can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and overall skin health. This information is vital in a region where intense sun exposure can lead to serious skin damage. By keeping an eye on the UV levels throughout the day, especially from 09:00 to 13:00, you can make informed decisions to protect yourself while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
The UV Index today reaches its peak intensity around 11:00 AM, soaring to a striking 13 before slowly tapering off. Starting from a modest 3 at 7:00 AM, it climbs steadily, hitting 8 by 9:00 AM and 11 by 10:00 AM. After its midday high, the index gradually declines throughout the afternoon, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM and dwindling to 1 by 5:00 PM, ultimately settling at 0 by 7:00 PM. To ensure safety during peak hours, it's crucial to maximize sun protection, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the risk is the highest.
| 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 | 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 |
The seasonal UV changes reveal a notable increase in UV Index values from January to August, peaking at 13 during the summer months of May through July, categorized as extreme. March marks the transition to very high UV levels, while September begins a gradual decline back to lower levels. High-risk months include March to September, where residents and visitors are exposed to significant UV radiation and should be particularly vigilant. During these months, it is advised to seek shade, wear sun protection such as sunscreen and protective clothing, and limit outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours. The burn time drastically decreases during this peak period, with just 10 minutes of unprotected exposure potentially leading to skin damage. In contrast, the winter months of January and December present moderate exposure, with burn times extending to 30 minutes, indicating a lower immediate risk but still warranting some sun protection.
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 |
| Musa Qal'ah | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 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 |