Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Hurghada, Egypt, is crucial for everyone who wants to enjoy the sun safely. With levels that can soar to 12 during peak hours, it’s essential to be aware of UV radiation's potential to cause sunburn and long-term skin damage. The city’s arid climate not only offers stunning beaches and vibrant marine life but also significant exposure risks, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM. By monitoring the UV Index, you can protect your skin while basking in the glorious Egyptian sunshine!
At sunrise, the UV Index begins at a gentle 2 by 07:00, but as the sun rises higher, the intensity quickly escalates. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 7, signaling outdoor enthusiasts to apply sunscreen. The peak comes at 11:00 and 12:00, where the index peaks at a striking 12, indicating very high levels of UV radiation. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually decreases, dipping to 8 by 14:00 and further dropping to 5 by 15:00. In the late afternoon and evening, the UV Index retreats to 3 by 16:00, finally settling at 1 by 17:00 and fading to 0 after 19:00. This daily cycle highlights the importance of sun safety during those peak hours!
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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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, seasonal UV changes indicate that exposure to ultraviolet radiation is significantly higher from February to August, peaking in April through July with a UV Index of 12 and classified as extreme. The high-risk months are February, March, April, May, June, July, and August, where burn times are notably brief, ranging from 10 to 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours. As UV levels drop in September and October, some risk persists, but it is markedly lower in the winter months of November and December. Therefore, it's crucial for everyone to stay informed about local UV levels and adjust their outdoor activities accordingly to minimize skin damage.
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 |
Hurghada | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |