Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in El Gouna, Egypt is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health under the relentless sun. With the region's BWh climate, residents and visitors alike need to be mindful of fluctuating UV levels throughout the day, especially during peak hours when exposure can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. For instance, during midday, the UV Index can soar to 11, signifying a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to enjoy El Gouna's beautiful beaches while minimizing health risks and ensuring your skin remains protected and healthy.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it gains momentum, reaching 4, but the real peak arrives between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it soars to a striking 11. This is the time to seek shade or wear protective gear, as the sun's rays are at their harshest. After noon, the intensity wanes slightly with readings of 10 at 1:00 PM and gently dropping to 8 by 2:00 PM. As the afternoon turns to evening, the index cools down to 5 at 3:00 PM, before dipping to 3 by 4:00 PM, and ultimately settling at 1 by 6:00 PM. By sunset, the danger fades, leaving a 0 UV reading at 7:00 PM. Keep an eye on the UV Index to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 10 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. From March through August, the UV Index reaches notable highs, particularly in May, June, and July, where it peaks at 11—classified as extreme. High-risk months include March through August, with ideal exposure times decreasing as UV levels rise, notably dropping to just 10 minutes of safe exposure during the peak of summer. Visitors and residents should exercise caution and prioritize sun safety during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. As the year progresses into September and October, UV levels remain high but decrease, allowing for longer exposure times of up to 15 minutes. In the cooler months, November and December, UV exposure is lower, yet individuals should still be aware of sun safety practices, especially in sunny regions.
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 |
| El Gouna | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Suez UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 5 |