Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Mardian, Afghanistan, especially given the prevalent BSk climate that brings long, sunny days with significant UV exposure. Being aware of the UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. In Mardian, UV levels can peak at a striking 11 around noon, posing serious risks if proper precautions aren't taken. With these levels fluctuating throughout the day, knowing when the sun's rays are at their strongest empowers residents to protect their skin effectively, ensuring safe outdoor activities under the Afghan sun.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index climbs steadily, peaking at 11 between 11:00 and 12:00, signaling a strong need for sun protection during these hours. Starting from a mild 3 at 07:00, the intensity rapidly rises, reaching a noticeable 5 by 08:00 and soaring to 9 by 10:00. However, the sun's intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 7 and then 5 from 13:00 to 15:00. By 16:00, the UV Index retreats to 3, and as evening sets in, it diminishes further to 1 by 17:00 and falls to 0 by 19:00. It's crucial to stay vigilant during those peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
Seasonal UV changes show a significant increase from winter to summer, peaking in May, June, and July with an extreme UV Index of 11 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Notably, April marks the transition to very high levels at 9, while March reaches a high level of 7. August and September continue with very high ratings of 10 and 9 respectively, indicating continued caution is needed during these months. High-risk months for UV exposure, therefore, are April through September, when the UV Index is consistently high to extreme. Visitors and residents should take proper precautions, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. As the year progresses towards fall and winter, UV levels decrease, returning to a moderate level (3-5), but vigilance remains important for skin protection at any time of the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mardian | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |
| 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 |