Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Abu `Arish, Saudi Arabia, where the sun's rays can be intense due to its BWh climate classification. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 during midday, awareness of these UV levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. By monitoring the UV Index, you can better safeguard yourself against harmful sun exposure, ensuring enjoyable and safe outdoor experiences in this vibrant region. Remember, knowledge is your best defense against skin damage—stay informed!
The UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, peaking at 11 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating high levels of ultraviolet radiation. Early risers will notice a gentle start, with a maximum of only 1 at 07:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index escalates quickly, reaching 6 at 09:00 and soaring to 8 by 10:00 AM. The intensity begins to wane after noon, tapering down to 5 by 15:00, and settling back to 1 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index drops further to 0 by 19:00, signaling a safe time to enjoy outdoor activities without the worry of sun exposure. It's crucial to plan sun protection around these peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | 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 | 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 variations, with the highest levels occurring from March to May, when it reaches an extreme level of 12. These months mark the peak risk for skin damage, with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. Following this, June also presents elevated risks, albeit slightly lower at a UV Index of 11. July through September continue to pose high risks with UV Indices of 10, indicating very high exposure, while October to December see a decrease to a UV Index of 8 or 9 but still remain in the high exposure category. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during high-risk months, particularly from March to June, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
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 |
| Mecca UVI | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Abu `Arish | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| 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 |