UV Index in Herat, Afghanistan

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Herat, Afghanistan, where intense sun exposure can pose significant health risks. With frequent peaks reaching a maximum of 13 during the midday hours, knowing the UV levels can help prevent sunburn and promote long-term skin health. Herat's semi-arid climate amplifies these risks, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV fluctuations. Protect yourself and enjoy the sunny days safely by keeping an eye on the UV Index!

Hourly UV Index in Herat

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it surges to an 8, paving the way for an intense midday sun that peaks at 13 by 12:00 PM. The 11:00 AM reading reaches 12, highlighting the need for sun protection during this peak exposure time. As the afternoon progresses, there's a gradual decline with the index dipping to 6 by 3:00 PM and further to 1 by 5:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, the UV Index settles at 0, signaling a gentle close to the day's sunlight. Make sure to stay protected during those peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	12	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Herat

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Herat, Afghanistan

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Herat. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Herat, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Herat UV Index with Other Afghanistan Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Herat compares to other major locations across Afghanistan. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Herat's solar exposure compared to other cities in Afghanistan. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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