Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Qashqal, Afghanistan, given the region’s Dsb climate and prevalent sun exposure risks. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health, which is essential in a place where midday UV readings can soar to a staggering 14. With the sun reaching its peak intensity between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, knowing when to seek shade, apply sunscreen, or wear protective clothing can make all the difference in enjoying the outdoors safely. As you plan your day in the sunny landscapes of Qashqal, keep a keen eye on the UV Index to stay protected and healthy!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at 4 by 07:00. The intensity of UV rays peaks dramatically at 11:00, reaching a blazing 14. During the morning, the UV Index climbs swiftly, with a striking 10 recorded at 09:00 and peaking at 12 by 10:00. The midday hours see a slight decrease, dropping to 13 by 12:00, before tapering down to 11 and then 8 in the early afternoon. By 15:00, the UV levels have diminished to 5, gradually fading to a mere 1 by 17:00. As the day closes, the UV Index falls to 0, signaling a retreat of the sun's harmful rays, making it a safer time to enjoy outdoor activities.
| 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 | 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 Index levels fluctuate significantly, peaking in the late spring and summer months. January starts with a high exposure category (UV Index 6) and a burn time of 25 minutes. As February approaches, the UV Index rises to 8 (very high), reducing burn time to 15 minutes. The months of March to August are critical, with the UV Index reaching an extreme 14 in May, June, and July, where a burn can occur in just 10 minutes. September to October sees a slight drop but remains high, with September at 11 and October at 8. November returns to high (UV Index 7, burn time 25 min), while December is moderate (UV Index 5, burn time 30 min). Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during the high-risk months of March through August, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade to prevent overexposure.
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 |
| Qashqal | 6 | 8 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 5 |