Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Dowr-e Rabat, Afghanistan, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With our region's semi-arid climate and the sun's intensity peaking during midday hours, high UV levels can lead to sunburns and long-term skin damage if precautions aren't taken. The UV Index often reaches significant levels, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, making awareness essential for safe outdoor activities. By monitoring UV levels, you can enjoy the sun while minimizing your risk and maintaining healthy skin.
The UV Index throughout the day presents an intriguing picture of sun exposure. Starting at 07:00, the index begins at a mild 3, gradually climbing to a notable 5 by 08:00. The real intensity strikes between 10:00 and 12:00, where it peaks at an impressive 11, indicating a high risk for unprotected skin. Following this midday surge, the index gently declines, tapering off to 9 at 13:00 and then dropping significantly to 4 by 15:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index diminishes further, reaching 1 by 17:00 and ultimately resting at 0 by 19:00. For those planning outdoor activities, the midday window clearly calls for protection—while the early morning and late afternoon hours offer a much safer sun experience.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 |
As the year progresses, UV exposure levels undergo significant seasonal changes, marking March through August as high-risk months due to very high to extreme UV Index ratings. In March, the UV increases to 8, with a burn time of only 15 minutes, and peaks in May, June, and July at an extreme UV Index of 11, necessitating a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially when UV levels are at their highest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.. As fall approaches, UV levels begin to taper off, but October still presents a high risk with an index of 6. Throughout the year, particularly from March to August, it is crucial to remain vigilant about sun protection to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dowr-e Rabat | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 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 |