Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kabul, Afghanistan is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. High UV levels can lead to dangerous sunburns and long-term skin damage, making awareness essential, especially for those who spend time outdoors. Kabul’s continental climate brings intense sun exposure, particularly from 10 AM to 2 PM, when the UV Index peaks at a critical level of 13. By staying informed about the UV levels and taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy the beautiful Afghan outdoors safely and keep your skin healthy.
The UV Index (UVI) throughout the day presents a striking pattern of intensity and risk. Starting at 07:00, the index is a mild 3, but by 08:00, it surges to 6, indicating a moderate risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity peaks dramatically at 10:00, hitting a blistering 12, and maintains a high level of 13 at both 11:00 and 12:00. As the afternoon progresses, the UVI begins to decline, dropping to 11 at 13:00 and then more notably to 8 at 14:00. By 15:00, it further decreases to 5, signaling a safer window for outdoor activities, before tapering off to 3 by 16:00. As evening approaches, the index falls to a low 1 by 17:00, remaining at this level until it hits 0 by 19:00. For sun safety, the key takeaway is to protect yourself during the peak hours of 10:00 to 14:00 when the UV intensity is most severe.
| 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 | 13 | 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 |