Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents of Charikar, Afghanistan, as it plays a crucial role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With the city's Dsb climate, characterized by warm summers and significant UV exposure, being mindful of UV levels can help residents and visitors enjoy outdoor activities safely. During peak hours, particularly from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the UV Index often soars above 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take essential precautions to safeguard your skin and enjoy the Afghan sunshine while minimizing health risks.
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the day's sunlight intensity. Starting gently at 4 by 07:00, the sun's rays gather strength, soaring to 6 by 08:00. As the clock strikes 09:00, the index climbs to a peak of 12, reaching its maximum of 13 at 11:00 and 12:00. The intensity begins to wane after 13:00, slipping to 11 before diving down to 5 by 15:00. By late afternoon, you’ll find it at 3 by 16:00, dwindling further to 1 by both 17:00 and 18:00, and finally fading to 0 by 19:00. Whether you're outdoors or planning your activities, this UV Index guide offers essential insights to help you enjoy the day while staying sun-safe!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 4 | 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure levels vary significantly, with high-risk months identified from February to September when the UV Index frequently reaches extreme levels (12-14). In March and April, the UV Index peaks at 14, indicating a critical need for protective measures during these months. Visitors and residents should take heed that even in January, with a UV Index of 6, the exposure is still categorized as high, leading to a burn time of only 25 minutes. As summer approaches, from May to August, individuals should be especially vigilant, as burn times drop to just 10 minutes. In contrast, October signals a slight decrease with a UV Index of 8, while November and December see reduced levels of 6 and 5, respectively, allowing for longer exposure times of 25 and 30 minutes. It is advisable for everyone to protect their skin with sunscreen, wear hats, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours, particularly from February to September.
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 |
| Charikar | 6 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 5 |