Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Kotowal, Afghanistan, where the Cfa climate often brings intense sun exposure, especially during the midday hours. Being aware of UV levels is not just about avoiding sunburn; it plays a significant role in protecting your skin health and preventing long-term damage. With peak UV Index values reaching as high as 13 around noon, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference. As the sun’s intensity fluctuates throughout the day, from a manageable 3 in the early morning to a hazardous 12 and 13 during the late morning and early afternoon, staying informed will help you enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin.
The UV Index data reveals a dynamic daily pattern as the sun rises and reaches its peak intensity. Starting at a modest 3 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily through the morning, reaching 9 by 9:00 AM and hitting a remarkable 12 at 10:00 AM. The crown jewel of the day occurs at 11:00 AM, where it soars to 13, signaling the highest risk for unprotected skin. As the day progresses, the number gradually declines, tapering off to 8 at 2:00 PM, and gently slipping to 5 by 3:00 PM. By the evening, the UV Index dips significantly, falling to 1 by 5:00 PM, and ultimately resting at 0 after 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun protection during midday hours when UV exposure is at its most intense.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | 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, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest risk occurring during the spring and summer months. Notably, March marks the beginning of increased UV levels with a peak index of 10, followed by April and May, where it reaches extremes of 11 and 12, respectively. The highest levels of risk are seen in July, with an index of 13, which signifies an extreme exposure category and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Subsequent months, such as August and September, remain high but gradually decline towards October. The high-risk months are therefore identified as March through October, where individuals should take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours, to prevent skin damage. In contrast, November and December present more moderate levels, with indices dropping to 5 and 4 respectively, allowing for safer outdoor activities.
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 |
| Kotowal | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 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 |