Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Al Markaz, Saudi Arabia, where the sun’s rays can be particularly intense. With a climate characterized by hot and arid conditions, knowing the daily UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. During peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM when the UV Index soars to 11, the risk of harmful exposure increases significantly. Staying informed about these levels empowers you to take necessary precautions, ensuring you enjoy the sunny environment of Al Markaz while keeping your skin safe.
The UV Index data reveals a dynamic fluctuation of sun exposure throughout the day. Starting at 7:00 AM with a modest index of 2, it rises steadily, reaching 4 by 8:00 AM and 6 at 9:00 AM. The sun climbs higher, peaking at 11 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, indicating the most intense sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 10 by 1:00 PM, then to 7 at 2:00 PM. The intensity continues to wane as it hits 5 at 3:00 PM, and finally settles to 2 by 4:00 PM, before tapering off to 1 at 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and reaching 0 by 7:00 PM. It's a clear reminder to protect ourselves during those peak hours when the UV Index soars!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | 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 |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variation, peaking between March and June when it reaches extreme levels (11-12), indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The highest risk months are March, April, May, and June, where the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen with a high SPF, donning protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. As summer progresses into July and August, while the index slightly decreases to 10-11, caution is still warranted. September and October maintain a very high exposure category, so continued vigilance is essential. As winter approaches in January and February, the UV levels drop to high and very high, respectively, but precaution is still advisable given the potential for swift sunburns. Overall, throughout the year, staying informed about the UV Index and taking protective measures is critical for skin health.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh UVI | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 |
| Al Markaz | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 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 |