Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Al Bahah, Saudi Arabia, where the BWh climate brings intense sunlight and elevated UV levels, particularly from late morning to early afternoon. Recognizing daily UV fluctuations helps protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors safely. With peak UV readings reaching as high as 12 around noon, it’s essential to be aware of these levels and take necessary precautions to safeguard your skin and overall health. Stay informed and equip yourself with the knowledge to enjoy Al Bahah’s stunning landscapes while minimizing the risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
Start your day early and enjoy the gentle rise of the UV Index, peaking as the sun climbs higher in the sky. At 07:00, the index registers a mild 1, but by 08:00, it jumps to 3, signaling the beginning of higher exposure. The real surge happens from 09:00, where it escalates to 6, reaching a striking 9 by 10:00. The zenith arrives at 12:00, with the index hitting a scorching 12—the perfect time to seek shade or slather on sunscreen. The afternoon heat sees a gradual decrease, as it drops to 11 by 13:00, followed by a more significant decline to 6 at 15:00. By the time the sun sets, the UV Index has returned to a safe 1 by 17:00 and slips to 0 by 19:00. Plan your outdoor activities wisely to make the most of the sunshine while staying protected!
| 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 | 8 | 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 variations, with high-risk months primarily falling from March to October where the index reaches extreme levels of 10 to 13. Notably, March, April, May, and June maintain a consistent UV Index of 13, requiring a burn time of only 10 minutes, which poses a heightened risk for sunburn. Even in July and August, with indices of 12 and 11 respectively, the exposure remains severe. To ensure safety, both visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures during these months, including wearing sunscreen with high SPF, protective clothing, and seeking shade when possible, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. As the year transitions back into the cooler months, the UV Index decreases but still warrants caution, particularly in January and February with a very high exposure category.
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 |
| Al Bahah | 9 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |