Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sar-e Pul, Afghanistan, is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's hot semi-arid climate (BSk), awareness of UV levels is crucial, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to 11—indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By grasping how UV radiation fluctuates throughout the day, residents can take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. Prioritizing UV Index awareness helps ensure a safer, healthier outdoor experience in this sun-kissed region.
The UV Index data for the day reveals a dynamic solar intensity, peaking in the mid-morning to early afternoon. At 07:00, the index starts at a manageable 3, but by 10:00, it surges to a significant 10, hitting its maximum of 11 between 11:00 and 12:00. Caution is advised during these hours, as the sun's rays become particularly strong. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dropping to 7 by 14:00 and further down to 5 by 15:00. By 16:00, the UV Index returns to a safer level of 3, and by evening, it dwindles to a negligible 1 at 17:00 and 18:00, finally settling at 0 by 19:00. Overall, it's crucial to stay protected during the peak hours to enjoy the sun responsibly!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 levels show significant seasonal fluctuations that are crucial for both visitors and residents to understand. From January to February, the UV Index remains in the moderate range (4-5) with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring approaches, March and April see a sharp rise to a very high level (8-9), reducing burn time to just 15 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure are May to July, when the index reaches an extreme level (11), necessitating protective measures in just 10 minutes. In August and September, the levels slightly decline but remain very high (9-10), with a burn time of 15 minutes. As autumn sets in, October drops to a high index of 7, offering a burn time of 25 minutes, before returning to moderate levels in November and December. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions, especially during the high-risk months from March to August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Sar-e Pul | 4 | 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 |