UV Index in Herat, Afghanistan

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is essential for the residents of Herat, Afghanistan, as it provides crucial information about the levels of ultraviolet radiation to which we are exposed daily. Awareness of UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, particularly in regions like Herat, where the BSk climate brings high exposure risks. With peak UV Index values reaching as high as 12 during the midday hours, it becomes increasingly important to take protective measures against harmful rays. By staying informed, you can enjoy the sun safely and maintain healthy skin year-round.

Hourly UV Index in Herat

The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Early risers will find a gentle start at 7:00 AM with a mild UVI of 2, but as the sun climbs higher, the intensity sharply rises to 8 by 9:00 AM and peaks at a striking 12 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. This aggressive UV exposure begins to taper off in the afternoon, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM and continuing to diminish as the sun sets, with a final UVI of 0 by 7:00 PM. To stay protected during the peak hours, enjoying the outdoors between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM requires caution—it's the sun’s strongest embrace!

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	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

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