Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Herat, Afghanistan, where the combination of high altitude and sunny climate can lead to elevated UV levels, especially during the peak hours of the day. With a typical UV Index soaring to 12 at midday, awareness of UV exposure is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. The BSk climate of Herat presents a unique challenge, as even brief sun exposure during late morning and early afternoon can pose significant risks. By keeping track of the UV Index, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful effects while enjoying the great outdoors.
As the sun ascends, the UV Index rises dramatically. At 07:00, it starts at a gentle 2, offering a safe environment for morning activities. By 08:00, it climbs to 4, signaling the need for some sun protection. The intensity peaks at 10:00 with a striking 10, reaching its maximum at 11:00 and 12:00 with a peak UV Index of 12—definitely time to seek shade or lather on the sunscreen! As the afternoon progresses, intensity begins to wane, dropping to 9 by 14:00, then 6 at 15:00. The sun retreats, and by 17:00, we see a much softer 2, transitioning to a cozy 1 at 18:00 and finally settling at a safe 0 by 19:00. Overall, this UV Index profile underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes reveal significant fluctuations in UV Index levels, impacting burn time and exposure categories. The months of March to October experience the highest UV Index readings, peaking at 13 in May, marking this as a period of extreme exposure risk. Notably, April and May are high-risk months with an extreme category, where burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during these months, prioritizing sun protection measures such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak UV hours. As the year progresses into the cooler months of November and December, there is a return to moderate UV levels, with extended burn times of 30 minutes, allowing for more leisurely outdoor activities with less risk of skin damage.
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 | 5 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 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 |