Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Bet Shemesh, Israel, being aware of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters, Bet Shemesh experiences significant UV exposure, especially during the peak hours between 10 AM and 2 PM when levels can soar to a blistering 12. Understanding these UV levels enables residents and visitors to take necessary precautions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience while minimizing the risk of skin damage. Embrace the sun wisely—your skin will thank you!
The UV Index exhibits a dynamic rise and fall throughout the day, peaking dramatically in the early afternoon. Starting from a modest 1 at 07:00, it escalates to a moderate 3 by 08:00. The real intensity kicks in as it climbs to 5 at 09:00, then surges to 8 at 10:00. By 11:00, it reaches a striking 10, and at 12:00, it boasts an impressive 12, marking the day's zenith. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually decreases, holding steady at 11 at 13:00 and tapering to 10 at 14:00. The evening sees a gentle decline to 8 at 15:00, followed by a drop to 5 at 16:00. As daylight wanes, the UV Index sinks back to 3 at 17:00 and returns to 1 by 18:00, lingering at this low level until 19:00. This fascinating pattern underscores the importance of sun protection, particularly during the peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest levels recorded from March to August. The most critical months for UV exposure are May and June, where the Index reaches an extreme level of 11 to 12, resulting in a burn time of only 10 minutes. As such, visitors and residents should exercise caution during these months, utilizing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during midday hours. In comparison, the months from January to April and November to December present lower risk with moderate exposure categories. It is essential to remain vigilant year-round, particularly during the high-risk months, to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haifa UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Petah Tiqwa UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Tel Aviv UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Bet Shemesh | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Ashdod UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Jerusalem UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |