Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Qal`at Bishah, Saudi Arabia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels can help residents and visitors alike take the necessary precautions during peak sun exposure hours, especially when levels soar to a maximum of 12 around midday. With a BWh climate, characterized by scorching days and minimal cloud cover, awareness of UV risks is essential to enjoying the outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful rays. Make informed choices about sun safety and embrace the beauty of this vibrant region while safeguarding your health!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises significantly, reaching its peak at 12:00 PM with an impressive value of 12. Beginning the day at a manageable 1 at 07:00 AM, the index gradually climbs, hitting 11 by 11:00 AM and maintaining a strong 11 until 1:00 PM. Following this midday zenith, the UV levels begin to decline, dipping to 9 at 2:00 PM and further down to 6 by 3:00 PM. The late afternoon sees a gentle fall, as the index hovers back to 3 at 4:00 PM and eventually settles at 1 by 5:00 PM, wrapping up the day with no UV exposure at 7:00 PM. For those planning outdoor activities, the hours around noon present the highest risk, making protective measures essential during this sunny stretch!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk of UV exposure occurring from March to October. These months consistently show extreme levels, peaking in March, April, and May with an index of 13, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should particularly note that from March through September, the UV Index remains primarily in the extreme category, making it critical to protect skin with sunscreen, clothing, and shade. High-risk months include February, when the index reaches 10, and significantly during the interval of March to May, where protective measures are essential. As winter and fall approach, the UV levels drop to very high in January, February, November, and December, allowing for a burn time of up to 15 minutes but still necessitating caution. To ensure safety, everyone is advised to check the daily UV Index and take appropriate precautions, especially during these high UV months.
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 |
| Qal`at Bishah | 9 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |