Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Yotvata, Israel, where the desert climate brings intense sunshine and varying UV exposure throughout the day. Awareness of the UV levels helps prevent sunburn and protect skin health, especially during peak hours when the index can reach a maximum of 12 around noon. With the typical BWh climate offering clear skies and high temperatures, it's essential to stay informed about UV risks to enjoy the outdoors safely. Whether you're hiking, swimming, or simply soaking in the sun, knowing the UV Index can make all the difference in safeguarding your skin against harmful radiation.
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the UV Index reaches its peak around noon, peaking at a striking 12 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. The day begins with a gentle start—just a 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually rising to 2 by 8:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the intensity escalates to an 8, followed by a stunning 10 at 11:00 AM. As the clock strikes noon, the UV Index hits its zenith at 12, signaling the strongest solar radiation of the day. The intensity begins to wane, dropping back to 10 at 2:00 PM, before tapering off to 5 at 4:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV Index gently descends to 1 by 6:00 PM, heralding the end of a radiant day. Stay protected during those peak hours, especially from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring from March through August. Residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant during April to June, when the UV Index peaks at 13 in June, categorizing the exposure as extreme with a burn time of just 10 minutes. March and September still present very high risks, reaching 10 and 9, respectively, where burn times are 15 minutes. Advisories for these periods include wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade to mitigate the risk of UV exposure and skin damage. In contrast, UV levels are more moderate from January to February and November to December, offering a relative reprieve with burn times of 30 minutes and 25 minutes.
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 |
| 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 |
| Yotvata | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 5 |