UV Index in Abha, Saudi Arabia

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Abha, Saudi Arabia, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense, especially during the midday hours. With the UV Index peaking at 13 around noon, it’s essential to grasp the levels of UV radiation to protect against sunburn and long-term skin health issues. Abha’s BWk climate brings unique exposure risks, making awareness of UV levels vital for engaging in outdoor activities safely. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while taking the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin!

Hourly UV Index in Abha

As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises dramatically, peaking at 13 around 12:00 PM, signaling a maximum level of sun intensity. Early morning hours start off mild, with a low of 1 at 07:00 and climbing steadily to 6 by 09:00. The sun reaches its zenith at 11:00, with a value of 12, before gradually declining through the afternoon. By 15:00, the index drops to 6, further falling to 3 by 16:00 and finally returning to a safe 1 by 17:00. As twilight approaches, the index settles to 0 after 19:00, providing a serene close to the day. Remember to protect your skin during the peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM, when the sun's rays are most potent!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	6	high	25 min
10:00	9	very high	15 min
11:00	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	very high	15 min
15:00	6	high	25 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Abha

The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking from February to April with values as high as 14 and categorized as extreme, indicating a maximum burn time of just 10 minutes. These months pose the highest risk for sunburn, followed closely by May to August, where the index remains at 12 to 14. Starting from September, the UV Index gradually decreases, yet it still stays in the extreme range until October. November and December see a drop to slightly lower levels, classified as very high, but still warrant caution with burn times of 15 minutes. Therefore, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to practice sun safety, particularly during the high-risk months from February through September, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize UV exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Abha, Saudi Arabia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Abha. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Abha, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Abha UV Index with Other Saudi Arabia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Abha compares to other major locations across Saudi Arabia. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Abha's solar exposure compared to other cities in Saudi Arabia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Riyadh UVI	7	8	10	10	12	11	11	10	11	9	7	6
Mecca UVI	8	9	11	12	13	11	11	11	10	10	8	7
Jeddah UVI	8	9	11	12	13	11	11	11	10	10	8	6
Sultanah UVI	7	9	11	12	12	12	12	11	11	9	8	6
Medina UVI	7	9	11	12	12	12	12	11	11	9	8	6
Abha	10	11	14	14	14	13	13	12	12	11	10	9