Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Kazhah, Afghanistan, where the sun's intensity can pose significant health risks. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 during the day, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health. The Cfa climate of Kazhah, characterized by hot summers, means that exposure to ultraviolet radiation can be particularly strong, especially around midday. By keeping track of the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself from harmful effects, ensuring that your time outdoors remains safe and enjoyable.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises dramatically, peaking at 11 between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating a very high level of sun exposure. Early morning hours start off mild, with a maximum of 3 at 07:00, but by 09:00, the UV intensity escalates to 9, urging caution. The intense midday sun keeps its grip until 13:00, where it dips to 9, before gradually waning throughout the afternoon. By 15:00, the index falls to 4, and as evening approaches, it declines to a minimal 1 by 17:00. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the sun's rays are strongest.
| 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations. From January to February, UV exposure is moderate, with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring approaches, March and April bring very high UV levels, decreasing burn time to 15 minutes. The summer months of May to August see the most extreme UV indices, peaking at 12, and necessitating a burn time of just 10 minutes. In September, there's a slight decline, returning to very high levels, while October presents a high UV index with a burn time of 25 minutes. November and December return to moderate exposures, allowing for 30 minutes of safe sun exposure. Visitors and residents should exercise caution, especially from March to August, when UV exposure is at its highest. It’s advisable to wear protective clothing, use sunscreen, and seek shade during peak hours to minimize skin damage.
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 |
| Kazhah | 4 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 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 |