Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Amman, Jordan, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the city’s BSk climate, which features long, hot summers and ample sunshine, residents and visitors alike face significant UV exposure risks, particularly during the peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM when the index reaches its maximum of 12. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sun while protecting yourself from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the day, peaking from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM with a striking 12. Early morning starts off mild, reaching a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM before climbing through the hours. At 9:00 AM, it hits 5, and by 10:00 AM, it intensifies to 8. The sun's intensity continues to rise, attaining its highest points at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, with the index hitting 10 and 12, respectively. As the afternoon progresses, a gradual decline begins; by 3:00 PM, it dips to 8, then further to 5 at 4:00 PM. The UV Index settles back down to 3 by 5:00 PM and returns to 1 as evening approaches, illustrating the importance of sun protection, particularly during the peak hours of midday.
| 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 | 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 the levels of UV radiation, with significant fluctuations throughout the year. The high-risk months typically occur from March to August, where the UV Index reaches explosive levels, peaking at UV Index 13 in June. During these months, exposure times can decrease dramatically, with a burn time as short as 10 minutes for extreme categories. Residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant during this period, utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. September through November still presents moderate risks, while January and December are notably safer months, characterized by a moderate UV Index and longer burn times. It's essential for everyone in the area to stay informed and protect their skin, especially during peak UV months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irbid UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Wadi as Sir UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Amman | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Russeifa UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Zarqa UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |