Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia, especially given the region's arid BWk climate. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 13 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations can be a game-changer for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. Knowing when the sun is at its strongest can help you take necessary precautions to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays, ensuring you enjoy the sunny days without compromising your health. Stay informed and take action—because your skin deserves it!
The UV Index showcases a dynamic increase throughout the day, peaking at 13 around 12:00 PM. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the index steadily climbs as the sun ascends, reaching 6 by 9:00 AM. The intensity becomes palpable by 11:00 AM with a sharp rise to 12, before hitting its zenith at 13 at noon, prompting caution for outdoor activities. As the afternoon unfolds, the levels begin to decline, dipping to 10 by 2:00 PM and gradually falling to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling safer conditions for evening strolls. It’s essential to stay protected during the midday hours when the sun's rays are most intense!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences extreme levels throughout the majority of the year, peaking in March and May with an index of 15. From January to October, the index remains consistently high, typically ranging from 11 to 15, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. This makes March, April, May, and June particularly high-risk months for sun exposure. Even in the fall months of September and October, the UV Index stays elevated at 13 and 12, respectively. As a result, both visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures year-round, particularly during these peak months, by wearing sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses, and seeking shade whenever possible. In December, the UV Index falls to 9 (very high) with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes, but caution is still warranted.
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 |
| Khamis Mushait | 11 | 12 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 |