Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Musa Qal'ah, Afghanistan, is crucial for residents and visitors alike to protect their skin and overall health from harmful sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching 13 around noon, the importance of being aware of these readings cannot be overstated. Knowing the UV index helps in preventing sunburn and reducing long-term skin damage, which is especially vital in the hot, arid climate typical of the region. As Musa Qal'ah experiences high UV exposure throughout the day, taking proactive measures against sun damage can significantly contribute to maintaining skin health and well-being. Stay informed and stay safe!
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 |
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 |