Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Rustaq, Afghanistan, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With UV levels peaking around midday, understanding these measurements can help you effectively prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. Rustaq's semi-arid climate often results in intense UV exposure, particularly during the summer months, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to monitor these levels regularly. By being aware of the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunshine while taking the necessary precautions!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, peaking at 11 around 11:00 AM for the day, signaling a strong risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The morning kicks off with a moderate 3 at 7:00 AM, rising steadily through the hours, reaching an impressive 10 by the late morning. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently declines, settling to 6 by 2:00 PM and tapering off to a safe 0 by 7:00 PM. It's essential to stay protected during those peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the sun is at its fiercest! 🌞
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, highlighting the importance of sun safety for both visitors and residents. From January to February, the UV Index remains at moderate levels (4-5), allowing for a safer outdoor experience with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, as we transition into March and April, the index spikes to very high levels (8-9), reducing burn time to just 15 minutes. The most critical months for UV exposure are May through July, where the index reaches extreme levels of 11, necessitating protective measures if staying outdoors for even 10 minutes. In August and September, UV levels remain very high, while October presents a slight decrease to high, allowing for a burn time of 25 minutes. From November to December, the index drops back to moderate, with burn times extending to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun protection, especially during the high-risk summer months, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible.
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 |
| Rustaq | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 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 |