Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Qarah Bagh Bazar, Afghanistan, where the high elevation and Dsb climate create unique challenges for sun safety. Awareness of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health, especially during the peak hours from 10 AM to 1 PM, when the index soars to a maximum of 13. With typical UV exposure risks fluctuating throughout the day, being informed allows individuals to take necessary precautions, ensuring enjoyable outdoor experiences while minimizing harmful effects from the sun’s rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, peaking at a striking 13 at 11:00 AM. The morning starts gently with a 3 at 7:00 AM, quickly escalating to 6 by 8:00 AM, and reaching 9 at 9:00 AM as the sun gains strength. By 10:00 AM, it hits 11, warning us to take precautions against overexposure. This intensity persists until noon before it slightly dips to 12 at 12:00 PM. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with levels dropping to 10 at 1:00 PM, then further to 8 by 2:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index wanes to 5 at 3:00 PM and further decreases to 1 by 5:00 PM, finally settling at 0 after 7:00 PM. It's a vivid reminder of the sun’s potency during peak hours—stay protected during the heights of the day!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant variations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. High-risk months include March to August, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 10 to 13 and the burn time shortens to just 10 minutes. Particularly in April, May, June, and July, precautions are essential to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Visitors and residents are advised to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade during peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. As the year progresses into the fall and winter months, the UV Index decreases, with safety measures becoming less critical but still advisable in September and October.
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 |
| Qarah Bagh Bazar | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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 |