Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Shindand, Afghanistan is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's BWk climate, residents and visitors are frequently exposed to high levels of ultraviolet radiation, especially during the peak midday hours when the UV Index can reach 12—a level that significantly increases the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take proactive measures to safeguard against harmful effects, enjoying the sun safely while reducing the risk of skin-related issues. Whether you're working outdoors or enjoying leisure activities, being aware of the UV Index helps you make informed choices about sun protection throughout the day.
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!
| 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 |
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 |