Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Rustaq, Afghanistan as it serves as a vital tool for sun safety and skin health. With UV levels reaching as high as 11 during peak hours, awareness can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Rustaq, characterized by its BSk climate, experiences significant UV exposure, especially from late morning to early afternoon. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful rays and enjoy your outdoor activities safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins a steady ascent, starting at a moderate 3 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 5, catching the attention of early risers. The intensity peaks dramatically at 10:00 AM, hitting a blistering 10, and remains at its highest at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a value of 11. As the afternoon unfolds, the index slowly retreats, dipping to 9 at 1:00 PM and further to 7 by 2:00 PM. By the time the sun begins its descent, the numbers dwindle to 4 at 3:00 PM, and taper off to a gentle 1 by 5:00 PM, disappearing entirely by 7:00 PM. This hourly fluctuation underscores the importance of sun protection during those peak hours, especially when the UV Index soars. Remember to stay safe and shield yourself during the hottest times of the day!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | 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 |