Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Al Khafji, Saudi Arabia is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's BWh climate, characterized by hot, arid conditions, UV exposure can be particularly intense, especially during the midday hours when the index peaks at 10. By staying informed about daily UV levels, residents and visitors can take necessary precautions, minimizing risks and enjoying the sun safely. From preventing skin damage to promoting overall well-being, awareness of these UV levels is essential in Al Khafji's vibrant outdoor lifestyle.
The UV Index experiences a dynamic rise and fall throughout the day, peaking at 10 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, signaling a high risk for skin damage without protection. Early morning hours see a gentle start with a maximum of 2 at 7:00 AM, gradually increasing to 6 by 9:00 AM. As the sun climbs, it reaches 9 by 10:00 AM, before hitting the day's pinnacle. Post-noon, the index begins its descent, dropping to 9 at 1:00 PM and then tapering down to 2 by 4:00 PM. As evening approaches, the risk significantly decreases, falling to 0 by 7:00 PM. It's a vivid reminder of the sun's intensity and the importance of sun safety during peak 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | 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 |