Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Samitah, Saudi Arabia, where the sun's powerful rays can pose significant health risks. The UV levels throughout the day can lead to sunburn, skin damage, and increase the risk of skin cancer if proper precautions aren’t taken. With Samitah's BWh climate zone, characterized by hot, dry summers and abundant sunshine, awareness of daily UV exposure is essential for maintaining skin health. As we navigate typical UV highs, especially during midday when the index peaks at 9, it's vital to stay informed and protect yourself effectively.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index begins to climb, reaching a mild 1 by 7:00 AM and gradually escalating to a moderate 2 by 8:00 AM. The real surge occurs around 10:00 AM, where it peaks at 7, escalating further to a maximum of 9 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. With the sun at its zenith, caution is advised due to the high levels of UV exposure. By the afternoon, the index dips slightly to 7 at 2:00 PM and then descends steadily through the late afternoon, reaching 3 by 4:00 PM and dropping to 1 by 7:00 PM, ultimately fading to 0 as night falls. This data highlights the importance of sun protection during the peak hours of 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM when UV intensity is at its highest.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 9 | 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 |