Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Kuwait City, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's arid BWh climate, locals and visitors alike face high UV exposure, particularly during the peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM, when the index often reaches 11, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By monitoring UV levels, you can take practical steps to prevent sunburns and long-term skin issues, ensuring a safe outdoor experience in this sun-drenched city. Stay informed, protect your skin, and enjoy all that Kuwait City has to offer!
The UV Index rises steadily through the morning, starting at a manageable 2 at 7:00 AM, before peaking at an intensity of 11 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This peak signifies a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, urging everyone to take necessary precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 9 by 1:00 PM and further to 4 by 3:00 PM. By evening, the UV levels dwindle to 1 at 5:00 PM, reaching 0 by 7:00 PM, indicating a safe period for outdoor activities without sun protection. It's crucial to be mindful of these variations throughout the day to ensure skin safety!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index reflects significant seasonal changes in sun exposure. The high-risk months for UV radiation are March through October, peaking in May with an extreme UV Index of 11, resulting in a burn time of only 10 minutes. During this time, caution is crucial, as exposure even for a short duration can lead to skin damage. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing, especially during peak hours from 10 AM to 4 PM. As the UV levels drop in the winter months of November and December, with indices returning to moderate levels of 5 and 4 respectively, the need for intense sun protection decreases, although it remains important to be mindful of UV exposure year-round.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Fahahil UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Kuwait City | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 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 |