Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for anyone living in or visiting Safed, Israel. This vital measure helps residents and tourists alike gauge sun exposure levels, playing a significant role in sunburn prevention and promoting overall skin health. With Safed's Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers and sunny days, the UV Index can soar to high levels, especially during midday hours. For instance, during peak hours, values can reach as high as 12, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00, it ramps up to 3, but it’s between 9:00 and 11:00 that it truly peaks, reaching a striking 11 at 12:00 PM, the hour when sun protection becomes essential. The afternoon sun keeps its intensity, maintaining a strong 12 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. However, as the day progresses, the index starts to dip, falling to 10 by 2:00 PM and gradually easing to 5 by 4:00 PM. Finally, the UV Index diminishes to a safe 1 by 6:00 PM, signaling the end of the solar intensity. It’s a clear reminder that midday hours demand vigilance against UV exposure! 🌞
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, significantly influencing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. January and December exhibit moderate UV indices of 4, allowing up to 30 minutes of safe exposure. February marks an increase to a high level of 6, reducing safe exposure to 25 minutes. This upward trend peaks in the spring and early summer, with May and June reaching an extreme UV index of 11 and 12, allowing only 10 minutes of exposure. March and April also present very high risks with indices of 8 and 9, advising extreme caution during these months. High-risk months, particularly March to August, require visitors and residents to take preventative measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, especially when the index exceeds 8. As we move into fall, the UV index gradually declines, but remaining vigilant is still wise until November.
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 |
| Safed | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 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 |