Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the beautiful and sun-drenched locale of Abu Simbel, Egypt, understanding the UV Index is crucial for both protecting your skin and ensuring a healthy outdoor experience. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which plays a significant role in sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. With Abu Simbel's hot desert climate (BWh), UV levels can soar—reaching a maximum of 12 around noon—making awareness essential for residents and visitors alike. By knowing the UV Index and its implications, you can enjoy the stunning landscapes and rich history of Abu Simbel while safeguarding your skin against potential harm.
The UV Index starts off the day relatively low, peaking at 2 at 7:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index surges, reaching a moderate level of 4 by 8:00 AM and escalating to a notable 9 at 10:00 AM. The day's intensity peaks at 12 around noon, marking the highest risk for sun exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the UV Index gradually decreases, falling to 5 by 3:00 PM, and dipping further to 1 by 5:00 PM. By the evening hours, a welcome respite is felt, with the index dropping to 0 shortly after 7:00 PM. For outdoor activities, be sure to take precautions between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when UV levels are at their most intense.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | 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 |
The UV Index varies throughout the year, reflecting seasonal changes in sun exposure. The months from March to August are particularly high-risk with an extreme UV Index of 12, requiring minimal exposure times of just 10 minutes to avoid sunburn. Notably, February sees a peak at 9, categorized as very high, and September and October follow closely behind at 10, which also falls into the very high range. Meanwhile, January and November maintain an 8, labeled as very high, while December drops to a high category with a UV Index of 7 and a safer burn time of 25 minutes. Residents and visitors should take extra precautions during the peak UV months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, especially during midday hours when the sun's rays are most intense.
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 UVI | 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 |
| Abu Simbel | 8 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 |