Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the stunning Siwa Oasis, Egypt, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for the protection of your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in safeguarding against long-term skin issues. Known for its dry desert climate, Siwa experiences high UV exposure, particularly around midday when the index peaks at a staggering 13. With the sun's intensity on the rise between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, it’s essential for both residents and visitors to stay informed and take protective measures to enjoy the oasis’s beauty safely.
The UV Index presents a vibrant dance of intensity throughout the day. Starting at a mild 2 by 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs, hitting a moderate 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun ascends higher, the UV intensity spikes dramatically, reaching its peak at 12:00 PM with a striking 13. This marks the most hazardous period, urging outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions. Following noon, the UV Index begins to taper off; it drops to 10 by 2:00 PM, then gracefully declines to a more manageable 2 by 5:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index settles at a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM, making for safer evening activities. Whether basking in midday sunlight or enjoying a twilight stroll, awareness of these UV changes ensures safe outdoor enjoyment.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variation, peaking during the summer months. From January (UV Index 5, moderate exposure) to February (UV Index 7, high exposure), there is a gradual increase in UV levels. However, a sharp rise occurs in March with an index of 10 (very high), leading to very high levels in April (11) and May (12), where the burn time dramatically decreases to just 10 minutes. The summer months of June through August see sustained extreme UV levels (up to 13), necessitating strong sun protection measures. As fall approaches, the UV Index begins to decline, with October at 9 (very high) and gradually reducing back to 5 in December (moderate). Visitors and residents are strongly advised to protect their skin, especially from March through September, when the UV Index is at its highest, and to take precautions even in the shoulder months of October and November.
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 |
| Siwa Oasis | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |