Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Qalat, Afghanistan, being aware of the UV Index is essential for promoting skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors take necessary precautions against harmful radiation, especially during the peak hours when the UV Index reaches its highest, reaching a staggering 14 around noon. Given Qalat's arid BSk climate, the risks of intense sun exposure are significant, making it crucial to stay informed about daily UV fluctuations. Whether you're exploring the outdoors or simply enjoying the sun, knowing the UV Index can help protect your skin and enhance your outdoor experience.
The UV index today tells a compelling story of intensity as the sun rises and peaks. Starting at a mild 3 at 07:00, the index swiftly climbs to a striking 6 by 08:00. As midday approaches, be prepared for a powerful 12 at 10:00, escalating to an impressive 14 at 11:00—the highest point of the day. Though it slightly dips to 13 at noon, it remains significant until 13:00, where it starts to decrease. From 14:00 onward, the index gently ebbs to 8, then down to 5 at 15:00, heralding a swift decline as evening sets in, landing at a mere 1 by 17:00. The sun's influence wanes further into the night, with a 0 by 19:00, marking the end of the UV exposure for the day. Stay vigilant during those peak hours to enjoy the sunshine safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 09:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 significant seasonal variation, with high-risk months predominantly from March to September, where extreme levels are recorded. The UV index peaks at 14 in May, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes, emphasizing the critical need for protective measures. In contrast, months like January and February maintain a high exposure category with an index of 6 and 7, allowing for slightly longer burn times of 25 minutes. As the year concludes, October still presents a very high risk at an index of 9, reducing burn time to 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, especially during the highest risk months, to protect against harmful UV radiation and 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 |
| 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 |
| Qalat | 6 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |