Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Siwa Oasis, Egypt, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn. Understanding the UV levels can help residents and visitors alike take proactive measures against harmful radiation, especially in this striking desert environment where the sun's intensity can be particularly severe. With a BWh climate, Siwa experiences high UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at a staggering 12 between noon and 1 PM. Knowing when to seek shade and how to protect your skin goes a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in this beautiful oasis.
During the morning hours, the UV Index starts off low at 1 at 7:00 AM, indicating minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the intensity ramps up, peaking at 12 around 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, suggesting a high risk for harm, especially for those spending extended periods outdoors. Post-peak, the index gradually declines, dropping to 7 at 3:00 PM and further down to 1 by 7:00 PM, which indicates a return to minimal risk as the sun sets. For sun enthusiasts, midday offers the most intense UV radiation, making sun protection essential during those hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | 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 | 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 |