Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of Israel as it plays a significant role in sun safety and skin health. In November, the UV Index can peak at an intense 12, signaling the need for protection against harmful rays that can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, sunny days, November presents both opportunities for outdoor activities and the risk of overexposure to UV radiation. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can enjoy the outdoors while ensuring your skin remains healthy and protected.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index climbs steadily, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it nudges up to 3, hinting at increased sun exposure. The intensity picks up rapidly, reaching 5 by 09:00, then surging to peak at 12 between 12:00 and 13:00—the perfect time to seek shade or slather on some sunscreen. After this zenith, the index begins its descent, drifting down to 10 at 14:00 and gradually tapering off to 7 by 15:00. As the sun lowers in the sky, the UV levels fall to 5 by 16:00, slipping further to a mild 3 at 17:00, and eventually settling back to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. It’s a rollercoaster of sun strength that highlights the importance of sun safety during those 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 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
Over the course of the year, the UV Index experiences significant variations, particularly peaking during the summer months. High-risk months for UV exposure are typically from March to August, where the index reaches very high to extreme levels, particularly in May and June with an index of 11 and 12, respectively. During these months, the recommended burn time decreases dramatically, often to just 10 minutes. As a result, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautionary measures, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, especially in the high-risk months. From September to February, while the UV Index decreases, residents are still advised to be mindful of moderate to high levels in early spring and late fall, maintaining sun safety practices as necessary.
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 |
| Nov | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 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 |
| 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 |