Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Al Khafji, Saudi Arabia, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. The UV levels can rise sharply throughout the day, peaking at midday with a dangerously high index of 11, emphasizing the need to seek shade and wear protective clothing. Understanding these fluctuations is essential, as just a short exposure can lead to painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. With Al Khafji's arid BWh climate, residents and visitors must be particularly vigilant against UV risks, especially during the intense summer months when outdoor activities are common. Prioritizing UV awareness is an important step toward enjoying the sun safely!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic picture of sun exposure. As early as 7:00 AM, the index starts at a mild 2, ramping up to a moderate 4 by 8:00 AM. The sun's intensity peaks around 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a striking 11, marking the height of caution for outdoor activities. As we move into the afternoon, the index gradually declines, dropping to 8 by 2:00 PM and further to 5 by 3:00 PM. The evening brings relief, with the UV Index decreasing to a 1 by 5:00 PM and finally hitting 0 by 7:00 PM. It’s clear that the midday hours pose the greatest risk, so sun safety measures are essential during those peak times.
| 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 | 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 |
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 |