Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index in Shindand, Afghanistan is crucial for safeguarding skin health and preventing uncomfortable sunburns. Understanding the varying UV levels throughout the day helps residents and visitors take the necessary precautions against harmful solar radiation. With Shindand's dry BWk climate, the risk for elevated UV exposure is significant, especially during peak hours around noon when the index can soar to a high of 12. Stay informed and protect your skin while enjoying the sunny days that Shindand has to offer!
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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, peaking during the warmer months. January starts with a moderate UV Index of 5 and an exposure limit of 30 minutes. As we move into February and March, the index rises to 6 and 10 respectively, indicating a shift to high and very high exposure categories, with burn times decreasing to 25 and then just 15 minutes. April and May see the highest readings, reaching an extreme UV Index of 11 and 13, where burn time drops to just 10 minutes. The extreme ratings continue through June, July, and August at an index of 12. As the year progresses into September and October, the index falls back to 10 and 8, signaling very high exposure but slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. November and December return to moderate levels, with indices of 5 and 4 and burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the high-risk months of March through October, minimizing sun exposure during peak hours, applying sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing to guard against 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 UVI | 5 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Shindand | 5 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 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 |