Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Kuwait City, especially given the region's arid BWh climate that can lead to intensified sun exposure. With peak UV levels soaring to 10 between 11 AM and 12 PM, awareness of UV risks is essential to prevent sunburn and safeguard your skin health. Whether you're enjoying the outdoors or simply going about your daily activities, keeping track of UV levels can make all the difference in protecting yourself from harmful effects. Stay informed and make sun safety a priority as you navigate the bright, sunny days in this vibrant city.
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 |
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 |