Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Al Bukayriyah, Saudi Arabia, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With a desert climate characterized by long hours of bright sunlight, the risk of sunburn and skin damage escalates, making awareness of UV levels more important than ever. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can reach dangerously high levels of 12, indicating a severe risk for harm. By staying informed about these levels, residents can take effective measures to shield themselves from harmful rays and promote better skin health. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply walking in the sun, knowing when to seek shade is essential to safeguard your well-being in this sun-soaked region.
The UV index today presents a dynamic landscape of sun exposure as the day progresses. Starting off at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM, the intensity climbs steadily, reaching a peak of 12 at noon—the highest UV level of the day. This midday surge indicates that sun protection is essential during these hours. Following this zenith, the index gradually declines, dropping to 8 by 2:00 PM and tapering off to a calm 1 by 5:00 PM, before finally settling to a safe 0 as darkness falls at 7:00 PM. Stay vigilant, especially during the midday hours, and make sure to safeguard your skin!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which reach their peak during the summer months. January begins with a UV Index of 7 (high), which increases to a very high index of 8 in February and reaches an extreme level of 12 in May and June. The high-risk months for excessive solar exposure are May through August, where the burn time is notably reduced to just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during these months, seeking shade and applying sunscreen frequently. September and October see a slight decrease, but remain in the very high category before levels settle to moderate by December. Therefore, it's essential to stay vigilant and protect your skin, especially from late spring through summer.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Bukayriyah | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 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 |