UV Index in Gardez, Afghanistan

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors in Gardez, Afghanistan, where the high altitude and sunny climate can lead to significant UV exposure. Keeping an eye on UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, particularly during peak hours when the index soars to 14 around midday. With a Cfb climate, Gardez experiences varying degrees of UV intensity throughout the day, peaking between 10 AM and 1 PM. By being aware of the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely and minimize the risk of harmful effects on your skin.

Hourly UV Index in Gardez

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at 4 by 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a peak of 14 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The midday sun is particularly strong, reaching its highest intensity at 10:00 AM with a value of 12 and surging to a striking 14 just an hour later. By the early afternoon, the UV Index starts to decrease, dropping to 12 at 1:00 PM, then sliding further to 9 by 2:00 PM. The afternoon hours see a significant decline, with readings plummeting to 5 at 3:00 PM, and down to 3 by 4:00 PM. Finally, as the sun sets, the levels dwindle to 1 by 5:00 PM, reaching a 0 by 7:00 PM, signifying a safe evening that calls for relaxation and protection from harmful rays. Stay sun-safe during the peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	4	moderate	30 min
08:00	6	high	25 min
09:00	10	very high	15 min
10:00	12	extreme	10 min
11:00	14	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Gardez

As the seasons change, so do the UV index levels and associated burn times. From January to March, UV exposure increases significantly, peaking at an extreme index of 14 from May to July. The highest risk months for UV exposure are February to August, where the index often reaches extreme levels of 11 or above, and burn times decrease to as little as 10 minutes. In contrast, November to December sees a decline in UV intensity, with January and November returning to a high exposure category where burn times extend to 25 minutes or more. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and limiting direct sun exposure during peak hours to safeguard against skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Gardez, Afghanistan

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Gardez. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Gardez, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Gardez UV Index with Other Afghanistan Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Gardez compares to other major locations across Afghanistan. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Gardez's solar exposure compared to other cities in Afghanistan. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Gardez	6	8	11	12	14	14	14	12	12	9	6	5