Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Imam Sahib, Afghanistan, where the climate typically features hot, dry summers (Csa). With UV levels peaking between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM—reaching a maximum of 11—awareness of these changes can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and overall skin health. High UV exposure poses a risk of skin damage, making it essential to take protective measures during peak hours. By staying informed about local UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin against harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins a steady ascent, starting at a moderate 3 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 5, catching the attention of early risers. The intensity peaks dramatically at 10:00 AM, hitting a blistering 10, and remains at its highest at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a value of 11. As the afternoon unfolds, the index slowly retreats, dipping to 9 at 1:00 PM and further to 7 by 2:00 PM. By the time the sun begins its descent, the numbers dwindle to 4 at 3:00 PM, and taper off to a gentle 1 by 5:00 PM, disappearing entirely by 7:00 PM. This hourly fluctuation underscores the importance of sun protection during those peak hours, especially when the UV Index soars. Remember to stay safe and shield yourself during the hottest times of the day!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
Seasonal UV changes show a significant increase from winter to summer, peaking in May, June, and July with an extreme UV Index of 11 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Notably, April marks the transition to very high levels at 9, while March reaches a high level of 7. August and September continue with very high ratings of 10 and 9 respectively, indicating continued caution is needed during these months. High-risk months for UV exposure, therefore, are April through September, when the UV Index is consistently high to extreme. Visitors and residents should take proper precautions, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. As the year progresses towards fall and winter, UV levels decrease, returning to a moderate level (3-5), but vigilance remains important for skin protection at any time of the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imam Sahib | 3 | 5 | 7 | 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 |