Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Al Qatif, Saudi Arabia, where the sun's rays can pose significant risks to skin health. Awareness of UV levels is crucial not only for preventing sunburn but also for reducing long-term skin damage. With Al Qatif's BWh climate characterized by high temperatures and intense sunlight, it's vital to monitor UV exposure throughout the day. For instance, during peak hours, the UV Index can reach levels as high as 11, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed and protect your skin by knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen!
The UV Index throughout the day offers a vivid glimpse into how sunlight intensity varies. At 07:00, the index starts at a mild 2, but by 08:00, it jumps to 4 as the sun rises higher. The real peak occurs between 10:00 and 12:00, where the index reaches a striking 11, signaling a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this afternoon zenith, the index begins a gradual decline, dropping to 7 at 14:00 and further to 4 by 15:00. As the day wears on, the UV Index falls to 2 at 16:00, and finally settles at 1 by 17:00 and 18:00. By 19:00, the UV threat dissipates completely, returning to 0 as daylight fades away. This data highlights the importance of seeking shade and protecting your skin during the UV peak hours!
| 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 | 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, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest risk months typically occurring from February to June. During these months, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, particularly peaking at 12 in May and 11 in June, indicating a burn time as short as 10 minutes for unprotected skin. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially in March and April when the UV Index remains at 10. As the year progresses, the UV Index gradually decreases, with November and December presenting lower risks, marked by a return to high and moderate exposure categories, respectively. It's crucial to stay informed and adjust sun safety practices throughout these seasonal changes to minimize the risk of UV-related harm.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Qatif | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 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 |