Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Al Khafji, Saudi Arabia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With high UV levels peaking around midday—reaching a maximum of 11—it's essential to understand the risks associated with sun exposure, particularly in this arid BWh climate where strong sun rays can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, locals and visitors alike can take proactive measures to enjoy the sunny outdoors safely and make informed decisions about sun protection and skin care. With daily variations in UV levels from 2 in the early morning to 11 at noon, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in safeguarding your skin's health.
Throughout the day, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, peaking during midday hours. Starting at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM, the intensity rises swiftly, reaching 4 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, it hits 7 by 9:00 AM and then surges to a striking 9 at 10:00 AM. The highest levels are recorded between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it escalates to a maximum of 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 10 at 1:00 PM, then to 7 by 2:00 PM, before falling further to 4 at 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, it reaches 2 at 4:00 PM and continues to decrease, dwindling to 1 by 5:00 PM, resulting in a more manageable 0 by 7:00 PM. This pattern underscores the importance of sun protection during the peak hours of 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | 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 shows significant seasonal variations, indicating the need for careful sun protection during high-risk months. From March to August, the index peaks, with values reaching as high as 11 during May through July, categorized as extreme, where the burn time can be as short as 10 minutes. February and November also present higher risks, with indexes of 7 and 6, respectively. Visitors and residents should stay vigilant, particularly from March to August, when sun exposure can lead to serious skin damage in mere minutes. It is advisable to wear protective clothing, seek shade, and apply sunscreen diligently during these peak months. As the UV Index decreases in January, October, and December, the risk for skin damage lessens, but those months still require moderate sun safety measures with burn times of 30 minutes.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Khafji | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 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 |