Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Misliyah, Saudi Arabia, where the BWh climate brings plenty of sunshine and intense ultraviolet radiation. Awareness of UV levels is not just about staying comfortable; it's vital for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. With midday UV Index levels reaching an alarming 11, the potential for harmful exposure increases significantly, especially during the summer months. By staying informed about daily UV fluctuations—from a mild 1 early in the morning to a peak at 11—you can take necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
At dawn, the UV Index starts off low at 1 by 7:00 AM, but as the day unfolds, it quickly rises. By 10:00 AM, it hits 8, reaching peak intensity at noon with an index of 11. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels begin to drop, stabilizing at 10 shortly after noon before gently declining to 5 by 3:00 PM. The sun’s influence wanes further as evening approaches, tapering down to 1 by 5:00 PM and finally dissipating to 0 by 7:00 PM. This fluctuation highlights the importance of sun protection during peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM when UV exposure is at its highest.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking during the spring and early summer months. Notably, March to May are characterized by extreme exposure levels (UV Index 11-12), with a burn time of only 10 minutes, indicating a critical need for sun protection. September also presents a high risk, with an extreme UV Index of 11. Conversely, January, February, July, August, October, November, and December maintain a very high exposure category, with burn times ranging from 15 minutes. To safeguard against sun damage, both visitors and residents should prioritize sunscreen application, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours, especially from March through September.
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 |
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 |
Misliyah | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 8 |