Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Alexandria, Egypt, where the Mediterranean climate brings plenty of sunshine throughout the year. With UV levels reaching a peak of 11 during midday, awareness of these levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. High UV exposure can lead to severe skin damage, so monitoring the index can help you plan your outdoor activities safely. As a city with a warm BWh climate, Alexandria presents unique challenges—knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in protecting your skin from harmful rays.
As the sun rises at 07:00, the UV Index begins at a modest level of 2, providing a gentle start to the day. By 08:00, it climbs to 4, signaling the need for light protection. The hours between 09:00 and 12:00 see a significant surge, peaking at an intense 11 at noon, emphasizing the importance of sun safety. While the intensity begins to taper off during the afternoon, with values of 10 at 13:00 and gradually declining to 3 by 16:00, outdoor enthusiasts should continue to stay vigilant. As the day winds down into the evening, UV levels drop to 2 at 17:00, before reaching a diminishing 0 by 19:00. This hourly journey of UV Index reminds us that, while the sun can be a source of joy, it also requires respect and caution during its peak hours.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index varies significantly, indicating changes in UV exposure risk. Notably, the high-risk months span from March to August, where the UV Index reaches its peak at 11, categorized as extreme, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. April and May are particularly risky, with the index at 10 and 11, respectively. As summer approaches, residents and visitors should exercise extreme caution by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during midday hours when UV exposure is highest. Conversely, the UV Index drops to moderate levels in winter months like January, November, and December, allowing for safer outdoor activities.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Port Said UVI | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
Alexandria | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
Giza UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
Cairo UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
Suez UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 5 |