Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. With peak UV levels reaching a maximum of 11 during the midday hours, residents must remain vigilant to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. This city, nestled in a BWh climate, experiences intense sunlight, making it crucial for community members to understand when to seek shade or apply sunscreen. By staying informed about UV exposure risks, you can enjoy the beautiful sunny days of Abqaiq while safeguarding your skin’s health.
The UV Index reveals a striking daily rhythm in sun exposure, peaking dramatically at 12:00 PM with a maximum of 11—a critical reminder to take precautions against harmful rays. Early risers will find a gentler morning, with values starting at 2 at 7:00 AM, then steadily climbing to a moderate 6 by 9:00 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, the intensity spikes, hitting an impressive 10 by 11:00 AM. The afternoon shows a slight decline, with readings dipping to 7 at 2:00 PM, then dropping further to a cooler 4 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index falls off precipitously, settling at 1 by 5:00 PM and fading to 0 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during those high-energy midday hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal changes, peaking from March to July, where it reaches extreme levels of 11 to 12. The high-risk months for sun exposure are February through August, with March, April, and May being particularly critical due to their extreme UV ratings and minimal burn times of just 10 minutes. In contrast, the UV Index begins to decrease in September and continues to decline through December, with burn times gradually increasing. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures during the high-risk months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abqaiq | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 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 |