Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Suwayr, Saudi Arabia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding the varying UV levels throughout the day can help prevent sunburn and promote overall skin health, especially in a region characterized by a hot desert climate (BWh). With peak UV levels skyrocketing to 12 around midday, residents and visitors alike need to stay informed about their sun exposure risks. By checking the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the sun safely and protect your skin from long-term 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suwayr | 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 |