Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sangin, Afghanistan is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health in this sun-drenched region. With typical UV exposure peaking at a dangerous level of 13 around noon, being aware of the daily UV levels can help you effectively prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Sangin's BWh climate brings not only intense sunshine but also a unique set of risks, making it essential to monitor these levels for safe outdoor activities. Stay informed, stay protected, and enjoy the outdoors responsibly!
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a mild 3 at 07:00, but as the sun rises higher, it quickly climbs. By 09:00, it reaches 9, signaling the onset of stronger UV radiation. The peak arrives at 11:00, when the index hits a scorching 13, prompting sun safety precautions. The intensity remains high at 12:00, but begins to decline in the early afternoon, dropping to 8 by 14:00. As the day progresses, the index continues to decrease, hitting 5 at 15:00 and shrinking to a mere 1 by 17:00. With the sun setting, the UV threat fades, bringing the day to a close with a 0 by 19:00. Stay protected during the peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 9 | 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 |
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 |