Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ash Shafa, Saudi Arabia is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn, especially in a region characterized by a hot, desert climate (BWh). The UV levels can soar during midday hours, peaking at 14 around noon, which poses significant risks for skin damage if proper precautions are not taken. Being aware of these UV fluctuations empowers residents and visitors alike to protect themselves from harmful exposure, ensuring that outdoor activities can be enjoyed safely while maintaining skin integrity throughout the year. Stay informed and shield yourself from the sun's potent rays!
The UV Index fluctuated throughout the day, peaking dramatically in the early afternoon. Starting from a modest 1 at 07:00, it climbed steadily, hitting a moderate 3 by 08:00. By 09:00, the index reached 6, signaling the sun's growing intensity. The real surge began at 10:00, where it skyrocketed to 10 and continued to rise, peaking at a striking 14 during 12:00. As the afternoon unfolded, the index began to dip, settling at 10 by 14:00 and further descending to 7 by 15:00. The day's sunlight waned with the index dropping to 4 at 16:00, and finally tapering off to 1 by 18:00, before turning to zero as night fell at 19:00. This pattern emphasizes the importance of sun protection during peak hours, particularly between 10:00 and 14:00 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant variations throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring from March to October, when the index reaches its peak at 14 in May. During these months, particularly in March, April, May, July, and October, the exposure category is classified as extreme, with a dangerously short burn time of just 10 minutes. This indicates that residents and visitors should take extra precautions: seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly. Conversely, from January to February and in November to December, the UV Index falls to very high levels, with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Still, it's essential to remain vigilant during these months as well. Overall, from March to October, the sun's intensity poses the greatest risk, making it crucial for all to adopt sun safety measures, especially during peak sun 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 |
| 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 |
| Ash Shafa | 9 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |