Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Barg-e Matal, Afghanistan, is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. The UV Index serves as a vital tool for gauging sun exposure risk, particularly in a region known for its Dsc climate, where the potential for high UV levels can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. With daily peak UV readings soaring to 14 around midday, awareness of these levels can help residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun safety. By understanding when UV risks are highest—from late morning to early afternoon—you can take proactive steps to enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding your skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a moderate 4 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to a strong 7, indicating a need for sun protection. The peak occurs between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it reaches a maximum of 14, signaling a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, falling to 8 by 2:00 PM and dropping further to a mild 3 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV risk decreases significantly, plummeting to 1 after 5:00 PM and finally down to 0 at 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of staying vigilant during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 09:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 10:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest readings occurring from March to October. February marks the beginning of the transition to very high exposure risks, while March through July presents extreme conditions, peaking in May and June with indexes reaching 17 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during the high-risk months of March to October, especially in the summer months, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly. As the season shifts towards November and December, the UV Index decreases, with safer exposure levels returning by December. However, it's essential to remain vigilant as even lower indexes can cause 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 |
| 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 |
| Barg-e Matal | 6 | 8 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 5 |