Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kabul, Afghanistan is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health in a region where the climate frequently exposes residents to high UV levels. Kabul’s climate, characterized by hot summers and bright, sunny days, can lead to significant sunburn risk, especially when UV levels peak, such as the alarming index of 13 around midday. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to prevent skin damage and maintain lasting skin health—so check the UV levels regularly and enjoy the sun safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a modest 3 at 7:00 AM, offering a gentle start to the day. However, by 8:00 AM, it ramps up to 6, signaling the need for sun protection. The real intensity peaks at 10:00 AM with a notable 12, reaching its maximum of 13 by 11:00 AM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After the midday peak, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 11 at 1:00 PM, before easing to 5 by 3:00 PM. As afternoon turns to evening, it continues to fall, resting at 1 by 5:00 PM and finally calming to 0 by 7:00 PM. This fluctuation highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during those peak hours when the UV Index is at its highest.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
08:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
09:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
10:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. From March to August, the UV Index frequently reaches extreme levels, with values of 12 to 13 and a reduced burn time of just 10 minutes. April and May present the highest risk, both categorized as extreme. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during these high-risk months, particularly from March to September, when sun exposure can result in severe skin damage in a short amount of time. While January and February still carry a high risk, with a UV Index of 6 to 7 and a burn time of 25 minutes, the danger escalates significantly in the spring and summer. To stay safe, it is advisable to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen. By being mindful of the UV Index, you can enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing the risk of harmful effects from sun exposure.
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 |
Kandahar UVI | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
Kabul | 6 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |