Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the sunny enclave of Sitrah, Bahrain, understanding the UV Index is essential for everyone’s health and well-being. With a hot desert climate typical of the BWh zone, residents and visitors alike face varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day. Awareness of these UV levels is crucial, as it can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. For instance, during peak hours, the UV Index can soar to dangerous levels, reaching 11 around midday – a stark reminder to slip on sunscreen, seek shade, and stay hydrated to mitigate the risks of overexposure. Embracing this knowledge empowers you to enjoy the sun safely in Sitrah!
The UV Index faced a striking ascent throughout the morning, starting from a mild 2 at 07:00 and rapidly climbing to an impressive peak of 11 by 11:00. This intense level of UV exposure persisted until 12:00, making it crucial for sun-worshippers and outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions during these hours. As the afternoon arrived, the index began to gracefully decline, dropping to 9 at 13:00 and tapering off to 4 by 15:00. By the evening, the UV Index settled back down, reaching a safe 1 by 17:00 and finally winding down to 0 at 19:00. This data illustrates the vital importance of monitoring UV levels for health and safety throughout the day, especially during peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | 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 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences notable fluctuations throughout the year, peaking in the late spring and summer months. High-risk months are primarily March through October, where values reach 10 or above, indicating very high to extreme exposure categories. Particularly hazardous are May and June, both with a UV Index of 11, where the burn time is dangerously short at just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly. As the season shifts into November and December, the UV risk decreases, with burn times extending to 25–30 minutes, allowing for safer outdoor activities. Nevertheless, vigilance is still advised, particularly in early spring when UV levels can still pose risks.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sitrah | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Ar Rifa' UVI | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Al Muharraq UVI | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Manama UVI | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Madinat Hamad UVI | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 |
| Dar Kulayb UVI | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 |