Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Samitah, Saudi Arabia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin's health and preventing sunburn. With the region's arid BWh climate, the UV levels can spike significantly, especially during midday, reaching a maximum of 10 around noon. Awareness of these levels allows residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to safeguard against harmful UV radiation. As you navigate the sun-soaked days of Samitah, knowing the UV Index can make all the difference in enjoying the outdoors safely.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at 10 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Early risers experience a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, but as the sun climbs higher, the intensity increases sharply, reaching 9 by 11:00 AM. Outdoor enthusiasts should take caution, especially from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, when the UV Index reaches its zenith. Afterward, the numbers dip, trailing back to a gentle 1 by 5:00 PM, and sinking to a 0 as the sun sets at 7:00 PM. This hourly dance of UV intensity serves as a reminder to stay sun-smart during the hottest hours of the day.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index notably varies throughout the year, with high-risk months occurring from March to May when it reaches an extreme level of 11 to 12, which significantly reduces recommended burn time to just 10 minutes. During these months, exposure should be minimized, and protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential. The UV Index remains in the very high category from January to February and again in June to October, where burn times increase to 15 minutes. As a result, residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant during these six months, prioritizing skin protection to mitigate the risks of harmful ultraviolet radiation.
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 |
| Samitah | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| 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 |