Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Az Zawr, Kuwait, where the sun shines brightly in a BWh climate. With peak UV levels reaching 10 around midday, the importance of being aware of these numbers cannot be overstated. High UV exposure can lead to sunburn, increase the risk of skin damage, and long-term health issues. Knowing the UV Index helps you plan your outdoor activities, prioritize sun safety, and protect your skin during the hottest hours of the day. Stay informed and enjoy the beautiful, yet intense, Kuwaiti sun more safely!
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun’s intensity throughout the day. At sunrise (07:00), the index starts modestly at 2, but by 08:00, it rises to a comfortable 4. The sun gains strength, with readings escalating to 6 by 09:00. The peak arrives at 11:00 and 12:00, where the index reaches a striking 10—a clear signal to seek shade or apply sunscreen! As the afternoon progresses, we see a decline; the UV Index drops to 9 at 13:00 and gradually decreases to 5 by 15:00. The late afternoon brings a gentle taper off to 3 by 16:00, before plummeting to 1 by 17:00 and finally settling at 0 as evening descends (19:00). Stay sun-smart and enjoy the daylight safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV index levels, significantly impacting sun exposure and skin safety. January starts with a moderate UV index of 5, but by February, it rises to a high level of 6, indicating an increased risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of just 25 minutes. The months of March through May present the highest risks, peaking in May with an extreme index of 11, where skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes. This trend continues in June and July, maintaining a very high index of 10. August begins to show a slight decrease but remains at 9, and September at 8 retains a very high rating. The risk reduces in October with a high index of 7, before returning to moderate levels of 5 in November and 4 in December. Visitors and residents should take precautions during the high-risk months of March through October, ensuring proper sun protection measures like wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Az Zawr | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Al Fahahil UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Al Farwaniyah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Sabah as Salim UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Hawalli UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Al Ahmadi UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |