Last updated: May 3, 2025
In 'Ali Sher 'Alaqahdari, Afghanistan, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health under the sun. Understanding UV levels is key to preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially given the area's climate—classified as Cfa—which brings high UV exposure, particularly during peak hours. With UV Index values soaring to 12 around noon, the risk of harm increases significantly. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can enjoy outdoor activities while ensuring your skin remains protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a manageable 3 by 7:00 AM. However, the real heat of the day arrives as 9:00 AM rolls around, surging to a striking 9. By 10:00 AM, it peaks at an intense 11, reaching its zenith of 12 at 11:00 and 12:00 PM—a clear signal for sun protection! The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with the UV levels dropping to 10 at 1:00 PM, and then tapering off to 4 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, the index falls further to cozy levels of 1 by 5:00 PM, finally resting at 0 by 7:00 PM, marking the day’s end. Stay sun-smart, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels vary significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from March to August. During this peak period, the UV Index reaches extreme levels (11-13), particularly in April through July, where burn times can be as short as 10 minutes. February starts to see an uptick, categorized as high (UV Index 6), while September witnesses a drop to a very high index but still poses risks. As the year winds down, October and the following months return to moderate levels (UV Index 4-5), allowing for safer outdoor activities with longer burn times of 25-30 minutes. To protect skin from harmful UV exposure, visitors and residents are advised to take precautions, especially during the high and extreme UV months, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| 'Ali Sher 'Alaqahdari | 5 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 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 |