Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Ashkelon, Israel, where the Mediterranean climate brings warm, sunny days that can pose significant risks to skin health. With UV levels soaring as high as 11 during midday, it’s crucial to remain informed about these fluctuations to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. By tuning into the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful sunshine Ashkelon has to offer while prioritizing your well-being.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its ascent with a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually increasing to a moderate 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, it reaches a noteworthy 5 at 9:00 AM, but the real intensity hits at 10:00 AM with a strong 7. By 11:00 AM, the UV levels soar to a peak of 10, continuing at an impressive 11 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM—the highest of the day. After this midday intensity, the numbers begin to wane, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM, then to 8 at 3:00 PM. The afternoon cools off slightly, falling to 5 by 4:00 PM, and ultimately settling back to 3 by 5:00 PM. As the day draws to a close, the UV Index gently slips to 1 by 6:00 PM, and remains there until 7:00 PM, indicating a safe return to evening activities.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 | 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, UV Index levels show significant seasonal variations that pose different risks to individuals. High-risk months typically occur from March to August, when the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11 in May, June, and July, and very high levels of 9 to 10 in April, August, and September. During these months, burn times drop to as low as 10 minutes, highlighting the importance of protection against harmful UV radiation. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, especially in these high UV periods. In contrast, January, December, and November show moderate exposure levels, where burn times increase to 30 minutes. Nonetheless, it's essential to remain vigilant year-round as UV-related risks exist, even in lower-index months.
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 |
| Ashkelon | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 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 |