Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Ziruk `Alaqahdari, Afghanistan, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health from the sun's harmful rays. As UV levels can reach a high of 14 around midday, understanding these fluctuations is essential for effective sunburn prevention. This mountainous region, with its temperate climate, presents unique risks for UV exposure, particularly during the summer months when the sun's intensity peaks. Staying informed about the UV Index not only helps in safeguarding against skin damage but also promotes long-term wellness in this beautiful yet challenging environment.
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 |
| Ziruk `Alaqahdari | 7 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 |