Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Jabal os Saraj, Afghanistan, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. The intense sunlight, typical of the region's Dsb climate, brings high UV exposure risks, especially between the hours of 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the UV Index peaks at 14. Understanding these UV levels not only helps you plan your outdoor activities safely but also empowers you to take protective measures against harmful rays. By staying informed, you can enjoy the vibrant outdoors while safeguarding your skin from potential damage.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a dynamic range, peaking at 14 around 11:00 AM, signaling the strongest sun exposure. Early risers will note a modest 4 at 7:00 AM, which rapidly escalates, hitting 10 by 9:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, it reaches its zenith with a blistering 12 at 10:00 AM. The impactful midday sun wanes slightly in the early afternoon, with readings of 13 at 12:00 PM and 11 by 1:00 PM. However, the index then declines steadily, dropping to 8 at 2:00 PM, and tapering off to a gentle 5 by 3:00 PM. As the day progresses, UV exposure significantly diminishes, with values falling to 1 by 5:00 PM, before dipping to 0 after 7:00 PM. It's a vivid reminder of the sun's power, highlighting the need for protection during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 09:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 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 |
| Jabal os Saraj | 6 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 5 |