Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Qal`at Bishah, Saudi Arabia, is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. High UV levels, especially during the peak hours of 11 AM to 1 PM, can lead to severe sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a hot desert climate (BWh) and typical exposure risks peaking throughout the day, being aware of the UV Index helps you take proactive measures. So, whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or running errands, knowing the UV levels is key to protecting yourself from harmful rays and promoting healthy skin. Stay informed and stay safe in the sun!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dramatic rise from morning to noon, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and climbing steadily to a peak of 12 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. This is the time when sun protection is essential, as the intensity can lead to skin damage in just minutes. After noon, the index begins to decline, dropping back to 9 by 2:00 PM and easing to 3 by late afternoon, before returning to a safe 1 by 5:00 PM. With the UV Index falling to 0 after 7:00 PM, the evening offers a respite from the sun’s harmful rays, making it a perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities safely.
| 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 | 12 | 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 |
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 |