UV Index in Cairo, Egypt

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Cairo, Egypt is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health, especially in this sun-drenched climate. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 around midday, awareness of these measurements can help prevent painful sunburn and long-term skin damage. Given Cairo's arid BWh climate, the intensity of solar radiation can be particularly risky during the hotter months. By familiarizing yourself with the UV index, you can make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring that your time outdoors remains enjoyable and safe.

Hourly UV Index in Cairo

The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic picture of sun exposure. As early as 7:00 AM, the index starts at a mild 2, ramping up to a moderate 4 by 8:00 AM. The sun's intensity peaks around 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a striking 11, marking the height of caution for outdoor activities. As we move into the afternoon, the index gradually declines, dropping to 8 by 2:00 PM and further to 5 by 3:00 PM. The evening brings relief, with the UV Index decreasing to a 1 by 5:00 PM and finally hitting 0 by 7:00 PM. It’s clear that the midday hours pose the greatest risk, so sun safety measures are essential during those peak times.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	9	very high	15 min
11:00	11	extreme	10 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	10	very high	15 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Cairo

Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels typically occurring from May to August, characterized as having an extreme exposure category with a UV Index of 11 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Notably, March and April also present very high risk levels, with indices peaking at 9 and 10 respectively. As a result, visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months, including applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. In contrast, the low-risk periods in January and December, where UV levels are classified as moderate with a burn time of 30 minutes, require less vigilance but still warrant caution. Overall, staying informed and proactive about UV exposure can help ensure safety and well-being throughout the year.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Cairo, Egypt

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Cairo. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Cairo, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Cairo UV Index with Other Egypt Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Cairo compares to other major locations across Egypt. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Cairo's solar exposure compared to other cities in Egypt. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Cairo	5	7	9	10	11	11	11	11	10	8	6	5
Giza 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