Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Abha, Saudi Arabia, is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's dry BWk climate, residents and visitors alike face heightened UV exposure, particularly during peak hours. Awareness of UV levels can empower individuals to take necessary precautions, ensuring safe outdoor activities while enjoying the vibrant beauty of Abha. With UV Index values soaring to 13 at midday, it's crucial to stay informed and protect your skin from harmful effects—because when it comes to sun safety, knowledge is your best defense!
The UV Index tells a vivid story of the day’s sun intensity. Starting at 1 at 7:00 AM, the sun gradually awakens, climbing to 3 by 8:00 AM. As the morning progresses, the UV Index skyrockets, peaking at an exhilarating 13 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM—a clear signal to slip on those shades and apply sunscreen! The intensity then begins its descent, dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM, before tapering down through 6 at 3:00 PM and finally resting at 1 by 5:00 PM. As dusk approaches, the UV Index dwindles down to 0 by 7:00 PM, drawing the curtain on a day of warm, radiant rays.
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 | 11 | 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 |
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.
UV Risk Categories
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 |