Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Aibak, Afghanistan, where sunny days are prevalent due to its Mediterranean climate (Csa) that brings fluctuating UV exposure. Being aware of daily UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, especially when the index peaks at a high of 12 around midday. With such significant UV risks, particularly during the summer months, staying informed can help you protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful effects of excessive sun exposure. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply out and about, knowing how to respond to the local UV Index can make all the difference in your sun safety routine.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins a steady climb, peaking at 12 around 11:00 AM. Starting from a mild 3 at 7:00 AM, it reaches 5 by 8:00 AM, then escalates to 8 at 9:00 AM. The intensity of UV radiation hits its zenith at 10:00 AM, peaking at 10 before soaring to its highest point of 12 at 11:00 AM. By noon, it slightly dips to 11 but remains significant. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to wane, sliding to 10 at 1:00 PM, then back to 8 by 2:00 PM. The levels decrease further to 5 at 3:00 PM, before gently tapering off to 3 at 4:00 PM. Finally, as the day winds down, it drops to 1 by 5:00 PM and continues to fade into twilight, settling at 0 by 7:00 PM. It's clear that midday is when sun protection is most vital!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 exhibit notable fluctuations, peaking during the warmer months. January and February see moderate UV levels (Index 4-5), with a burn time of 30 minutes. As we transition into March and April, UV exposure rises sharply, reaching very high levels (Index 9-10) and reducing burn time to just 15 minutes. The months of May through August represent the high-risk period, with extreme UV values (Index 11-12) and a burn time of only 10 minutes. Although UV levels begin to decrease in September (Index 9) and October (Index 7), caution is still advised as the risk remains noteworthy, particularly on sunny days. By November and December, UV levels return to moderate (Index 3-4) with longer burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly encouraged to take protective measures, especially from March to August, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Aibak | 4 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 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 |