Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in New Cairo, Egypt, where the sun's intensity can lead to significant health risks, especially during the sweltering BWh climate. With peak UV levels often soaring past 10 during midday hours, being aware of these readings is vital for effective sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. Regularly checking the UV Index empowers you to take necessary precautions during peak hours to avoid harmful exposure, ensuring that you enjoy the sunshine safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the UV Index shows a dramatic rise throughout the morning and peaks in the early afternoon. Starting at a low 2 at 7:00 AM, it swiftly escalates to 4 by 8:00 AM, before hitting a significant 7 at 9:00 AM. The true intensity is reached between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where the index soars to a maximum of 11, indicating a very high level of UV exposure. Following this peak, it gradually descends back to 6 by 3:00 PM and continues to decline to 1 by 5:00 PM, before approaching nighttime with a steady 0 by 7:00 PM. It's essential to prioritize sun safety during the peak hours to avoid harmful exposure.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | 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 | 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, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring from March to August. During this period, particularly in May and June, the UV Index peaks at 12 (extreme), indicating a burn time of only 10 minutes for sensitive skin. April and September also remain critical months with very high UV exposure, while the cold winter months of January and December see moderate levels (UV Index 5), allowing for safer outdoor activities. Visitors and residents are encouraged to remain vigilant during the high-risk months of March through August, taking proactive measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize UV-related health risks.
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 |
| New Cairo | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 5 |