Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Mafraq, Jordan, where the combination of a semi-arid climate and high sun exposure can lead to significant skin health risks. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 12 around noon, awareness of these readings is essential for effective sunburn prevention and long-term skin protection. Regularly monitoring the UV Index can help you take necessary precautions—like wearing sunscreen or protective clothing—particularly during the most intense hours of sunlight, which span from 10 AM to 2 PM. By staying informed, you can enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors while safeguarding your skin against harmful UV 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 |
| 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 |
| Amman UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Mafraq | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |