Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Sozmah Qal'ah, Afghanistan, as it directly impacts sun safety and skin health. With the region's BSk climate, marked by hot summers and clear skies, awareness of UV levels can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. During peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 1 PM when the UV Index reaches a maximum of 12, the sun's intensity poses significant risks. By staying informed about UV exposure, you can effectively protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful effects while enjoying the sunny days that characterize this vibrant locale.
Throughout the day, the UV Index exhibits a significant rise and fall, peaking at 12 between 11:00 and 12:00, indicating intense sun exposure and a strong need for sun protection. The morning starts off relatively moderate with a UV Index of 3 at 07:00, climbing swiftly to 5 by 08:00. By 09:00, it escalates to a striking 8, reaching its zenith of 10 at 10:00. After its peak, the intensity gradually declines, dropping to 8 at 14:00 and further to 5 by 15:00. The late afternoon brings a gentle decrease, with levels falling to 3 at 16:00, and eventually to 1 by 17:00 and onward, suggesting a return to safer sun exposure conditions as the day winds down. Gardeners, beachgoers, and outdoor enthusiasts should take heed of these fluctuations to stay protected during peak hours!
| 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 | 12 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, significantly impacting sun exposure risks for residents and visitors. High-risk months, particularly from March to August, showcase extremely elevated UV levels, peaking at 12, categorizing these months as having an extreme exposure risk with a burn time of just 10 minutes. During these months, individuals should take extra precautions, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently. In contrast, the fall and winter months (September to February) exhibit lower UV levels, with January and December reaching a moderate index of 4-5 and allowing for a safer burn time of up to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents alike should remain vigilant, especially during high UV periods, to protect their skin and health year-round.
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 |
| Sozmah Qal'ah | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| 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 |