Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sakakah, Saudi Arabia, where the dry desert climate can lead to high sun exposure risks. With UV levels peaking at 12 during midday hours, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health. Familiarizing yourself with local UV conditions can help you take necessary precautions, ensuring safe outdoor activities in this vibrant city. With typical temperatures soaring under the burning sun, understanding the UV index isn't just a matter of comfort—it's about safeguarding your health against potential skin damage.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its ascent at a modest 1 by 7:00 AM, reflecting minimal sun risk. As the morning unfolds, it climbs to 3 by 8:00 AM and reaches 6 by 9:00 AM, signaling an increase in sun exposure. The sun peaks at 12 around noon, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity remains high at 11 until 1:00 PM, before gradually declining as the afternoon progresses. By 3:00 PM, the index dips to 6, and later, it falls to 2 by 5:00 PM, showcasing a gentle evening retreat from the sun. Finally, the UV Index settles back to 1 by 6:00 PM, signaling a safe end to the day's exposure. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, peaking during the summer months. January and February see a high UV Index of 6 and 7, with a burn time of 25 minutes. As spring arrives in March and April, the index rises to 10, categorized as very high, with a reduced burn time of 15 minutes. May to August marks the extreme UV Index period, reaching a maximum of 12 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. July is particularly critical, given its high index level. In September and October, UV levels decrease slightly to 10 and 8, respectively, but remain in the very high category. By November, the index drops back to 6 and further to 5 in December, indicating moderate exposure. Visitors and residents should take precautions, especially from March through October, by wearing adequate sun protection and limiting time in direct sunlight to prevent skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sakakah | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| 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 |