Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Rafah, Palestine, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially in a climate characterized by hot summers and high sun exposure. With UV readings peaking at a staggering 11 during midday, it's vital to stay informed and take precautions to minimize risks. Regularly monitoring the UV Index helps you enjoy the sunshine safely, ensuring that outdoor activities remain pleasant without compromising your skin health.
The UV Index throughout the day reflects a dramatic rise and fall in sun exposure. Starting at a modest 3 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, hitting 5 by 8:00 AM. As the sun ascends, it peaks at an intense 11 during the hours of 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, signaling the most dangerous time for outdoor activities without protection. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, dropping to 8 at 2:00 PM, before continuing down to 5 at 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the index further decreases to 3 at 4:00 PM, dwindling to 1 by 5:00 PM, and finally reaching 0 at 7:00 PM, marking a safe return to low UV conditions as the day fades. It's crucial to stay protected during those peak hours when the UV index is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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, UV exposure levels vary significantly, peaking during the late spring and summer months. High-risk months for UV radiation are March to August, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11, signaling a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during this period, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using broad-spectrum sunscreen. As the seasons transition into fall, UV levels gradually decrease, notably with levels dropping to a moderate category by November and December. It's essential to remain vigilant in sun protection even in milder months, particularly when UV levels exceed 5. Stay informed and protect your skin year-round!
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jabalya UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Gaza 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 |
| Rafah | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Khan Yunis UVI | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |