Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Shibirghan, Afghanistan, where the interplay of climate and sun exposure can pose significant health risks. Knowledge of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting long-term skin health, particularly in a city where the typical BSk climate brings hot summers with high ultraviolet radiation. During peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 1 PM, the UV Index can soar to a hazardous level of 11, emphasizing the need for sun safety awareness. With this information, you can enjoy the sun responsibly and safeguard your skin in Shibirghan's radiant yet potentially harmful environment.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear peak between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, reaching a notable maximum of 11—a critical level necessitating protective measures from the sun. As the morning unfolds, the index rises steadily from 3 at 7:00 AM to a robust 9 by 10:00 AM, indicating increasing sun exposure. Following the midday high, there's a gradual decline, with values falling to 7 by 2:00 PM, before diminishing further to 3 by 4:00 PM. As evening approaches, the index drops significantly to 1 by 5:00 PM, and finally settles at 0 after 7:00 PM, marking the end of sun-related concerns for the day. For sun-seekers, midday is the time to either seize the sun responsibly or seek shade!
| 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 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, reflecting seasonal changes in sun exposure. January and December both see a UV Index of 3, categorized as moderate, with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring approaches, February reaches a UV Index of 5 (moderate), while March escalates to 8 (very high), indicating a sharp increase in potential sunburn risk. The peak months for UV exposure occur from April to July, with July remaining constant at a critical UV Index of 11, categorized as extreme; during this period, only 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure can lead to burns. As summer transitions to fall, the UV Index gradually declines, with September at 9 (very high) and heading into October at 7 (high), where the burn time increases to 25 minutes. With these fluctuations in mind, it is essential for visitors and residents to take precautionary measures, especially from March through August, when UV levels are particularly high; wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours can greatly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shibirghan | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 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 |