Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for anyone enjoying the sunny shores of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. With its arid climate and abundant sunshine, this stunning resort town can expose visitors to harmful ultraviolet radiation, making awareness of UV levels essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. The UV Index peaks in the late morning to early afternoon, ranging from 4 to a dangerous 11—a reminder to protect your skin during those hours. By being informed about the UV exposure risks in Sharm el-Sheikh, you can make smarter choices that ensure a safe and enjoyable experience under the sun.
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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, the index starts at 6 (high) and remains at 7, representing a consistent caution for sun safety with a burn time of 25 minutes. As spring approaches, March escalates to 9 (very high) with a reduced burn time of 15 minutes, leading into the peak summer months of May through August, where the index reaches an extreme level of 11 and a swift burn time of just 10 minutes. The risk diminishes slightly in September and October to 10 and 9, respectively, but still falls within the very high exposure category. As the year closes out, November and December see a drop to 6 (high) and 5 (moderate). Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions, particularly from March to August, when the sun is most intense, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize risk of sunburn and 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 |
| Sharm el-Sheikh | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| Suez UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 5 |