Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Gaza, Palestine, given the area's Mediterranean climate (BSh) that experiences high sun exposure throughout the year. As UV levels can soar to a maximum of 11 around midday, it's vital to be aware of these fluctuations to effectively prevent sunburn and protect skin health. A clear understanding of UV levels empowers individuals to take necessary precautions, particularly during peak hours when risks are significantly heightened. With the sun's intensity peaking from late morning to early afternoon, awareness and proactive measures can help safeguard your well-being under Gaza's brilliant sun.
Throughout the day, the UV Index experiences a dramatic increase, peaking at 11 between noon and 1 PM, indicating a very high level of solar radiation. Early risers will notice a gentle start, with a UV Index of just 1 at 7 AM, gradually climbing to 4 by 9 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, values soar to 9 at 11 AM, signaling it's time to take precautions. After the peak, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 10 at 2 PM, then tapering off to 3 by 5 PM and resting back down to 1 by 6 PM. Staying protected in the midday sun is crucial for skin safety during these hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels show significant seasonal variations that pose different risks to individuals. High-risk months typically occur from March to August, when the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11 in May, June, and July, and very high levels of 9 to 10 in April, August, and September. During these months, burn times drop to as low as 10 minutes, highlighting the importance of protection against harmful UV radiation. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, especially in these high UV periods. In contrast, January, December, and November show moderate exposure levels, where burn times increase to 30 minutes. Nonetheless, it's essential to remain vigilant year-round as UV-related risks exist, even in lower-index months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaza | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Jabalya UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Nablus UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Hebron UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Khan Yunis UVI | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |