Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sangin, Afghanistan, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a climate classified as BWh (arid and hot), residents and visitors alike face significant UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to 13—a level that indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By keeping a close eye on UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and your loved ones, ensuring outdoor activities are both enjoyable and safe. Stay informed and make sun safety a priority in Sangin's vibrant, sun-soaked environment.
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 |
| Sangin | 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 |