Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Qaisumah, Saudi Arabia, where the arid BWh climate brings intense sunlight throughout the year. With peak UV levels soaring to 12 during midday, awareness of these levels is crucial for protecting your skin and preventing sunburn. By closely monitoring the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about outdoor activities and safeguard your skin’s health against harmful ultraviolet radiation. As Qaisumah experiences significant UV exposure risks, especially from late morning to early afternoon, taking precautions becomes all the more vital to enjoy the sunshine safely.
The UV Index today tells a compelling story of the sun's intensity as it climbs and falls throughout the day. Starting off at a modest 2 by 07:00, the UV exposure quickly gains momentum, peaking at a striking 12 between 11:00 and 12:00—a time when sun protection is crucial. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, reaching 10 at 13:00, then tapering down to 5 by 15:00. After that, it continues its descent to a gentle 1 by 17:00 and 18:00, finally resting at 0 by 19:00. Be sure to safeguard your skin during the midday hours when the sun's rays are at their strongest!
| 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 | 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 varies significantly, indicating the need for increased awareness during certain months. January and February start with a high UV Index of 6 and 7, which signifies a burn time of 25 minutes. As spring approaches, March escalates to a very high Index of 10, reducing burn time to 15 minutes. The peak exposure occurs in April and May where the Index reaches an alarming 11 and 12 (extreme), allowing only 10 minutes before skin damage can occur. June and July maintain this extreme level, while August and September slightly decrease back to a very high Index of 10. October sees a further decline to a high Index of 8, with a burn time of 15 minutes, before reverting to a moderate UV level of 5 in December, allowing for 30 minutes of safe exposure. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, especially from March through October, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and minimizing direct sun exposure during peak hours to prevent skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qaisumah | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 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 |