Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Al Bahah, Saudi Arabia, where the arid BWh climate can lead to high levels of ultraviolet radiation, particularly during peak sunlight hours. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, as the UV Index can reach a maximum of 13 around noon. With UV exposure risks escalating significantly in the late morning and early afternoon, staying informed about the day's UV Index can help you take proactive steps to protect your skin while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Al Bahah.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins its ascent at 1 by 07:00, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure. As the day progresses, it climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 08:00 and escalating dramatically to 6 by 09:00. The sun's intensity peaks at 13 by noon and maintains a high of 12 until 13:00, signaling a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this peak, the index gradually tapers off, dropping to 9 by 14:00, then back to 6 by 15:00. As the afternoon fades into evening, the UV Index declines to 3 at 16:00, 2 at 17:00, and ultimately settles at 1 by 18:00 before disappearing altogether by 19:00. It's crucial to stay protected during the peak hours, especially between 10:00 and 14:00 when the index is at its highest!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | 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 |