Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Al Mutayrifi, Saudi Arabia, where the sun's rays can reach harmful levels, especially during the peak hours of the day. With a typical climate characterized by hot, arid conditions (BWh), awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting long-term skin health. The UV Index can rise to a maximum of 12 around midday, highlighting the need for precautions during these hours to mitigate risks associated with high ultraviolet exposure. By staying informed, you can enjoy the sunny days safely while minimizing potential skin damage.
Experience a sun-soaked day with the UV Index reaching its peak between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it hits a staggering 12. The morning starts gently at 7:00 AM with a UV Index of just 2, allowing for a gradual build-up through 8:00 AM at 4 and 9:00 AM at 7. As the day progresses, intensity escalates to a strong 10 by 10:00 AM, making protective measures essential. The afternoon sees a decline; from 12:00 PM down to 5 by 3:00 PM, and finally dipping back to a safe 1 by 5:00 PM. Once the sun starts to fade, the UV Index drops to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling the end of peak sun exposure. Stay safe in the sun!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | 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 | 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 Mutayrifi | 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 |