Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Ster Giyan, Afghanistan, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 14 during midday, awareness of these measurements can help residents and visitors protect themselves from the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure. The region's Cfa climate presents unique risks, as the sun's intensity varies throughout the day, particularly from 10 AM to 2 PM when UV radiation is highest. By staying informed about UV Index levels, individuals can make proactive choices for their skin's safety, ensuring enjoyable outdoor experiences while minimizing health risks.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a striking peak between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it reaches its maximum of 14—a clear indication of the need for sun protection. As the sun rises, the index starts at a moderate 3 at 7:00 AM, climbing to a notably high 10 by 9:00 AM, and then continuing to escalate until noon. Following this zenith, the afternoon sees a gradual decline, dipping to 9 at 2:00 PM and then further to 1 by 5:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, the UV Index relaxes to 0, marking the end of any sun exposure risk. This data underscores the importance of vigilance during peak hours to safeguard against UV damage.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with high-risk months occurring from February to September. The index peaks in May and July at a striking 14, indicating an extreme risk for sunburn, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. From March to August, the UV levels remain in the extreme category, requiring heightened caution. Conversely, during the winter months, particularly in January and November, UV exposure is classified as high, with longer burn times of 25 minutes, while in December it is moderate with a 30-minute burn time. Given these fluctuations, it’s crucial for both visitors and residents to practice sun safety—wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and minimizing sun exposure during peak hours, especially in the high-risk months.
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 |
| Ster Giyan | 7 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 |