Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Safed, Israel, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense due to its Mediterranean climate (Csa). Awareness of daily UV levels is essential not just for preventing painful sunburns but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With peak UV values reaching an alarming 11 in midday hours, it’s vital to stay informed and take precautions against overexposure. By monitoring the UV Index in Safed, you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
Today, the UV Index starts low at 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually rising to a moderate 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher in the sky, expect the intensity to peak at 11 around 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, making these the most crucial hours for sun protection. By 2:00 PM, the index drops to 9, followed by a steady decline to 7 at 3:00 PM and 5 at 4:00 PM. The index continues to decrease as the day winds down, falling back to 1 by 6:00 PM and remaining at that level through sunset. Remember to seek shade and use sunscreen during the high UV hours from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |