Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Al Artawiyah, Saudi Arabia, where the BWh climate leads to intense sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching 11 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, awareness of these levels becomes vital not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for maintaining long-term skin health. Given the region's high UV risks—especially during the hottest parts of the day—being informed about the UV Index empowers you to protect yourself and your loved ones while enjoying the sunny outdoors. Stay smart, stay safe!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking dramatically between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with an intense value of 11. A moderate 3 greets early risers at 8:00 AM, but by 10:00 AM, it reaches a noteworthy 9, signaling a shift to more intense sunlight. The index then climbs to its maximum of 11 at noon, urging the need for sun safety measures. As the afternoon progresses, values gradually decline, dropping to 10 by 1:00 PM and easing to 5 by 3:00 PM. Evening hours bring a steady drop, with the index lowering to 1 by both 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, before finally settling at 0 after 7:00 PM. This pattern highlights the importance of midday sun protection, as UV exposure peaks when the sun is highest in the sky.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | 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 | 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, UV Index values fluctuate significantly, highlighting periods of higher risk for sun exposure. From February to August, the UV Index consistently reaches very high to extreme levels, peaking at 12 in May, which indicates a burn time of just 10 minutes. These months are particularly critical, with April to August classified as extreme, posing significant risk for skin damage. Conversely, the high-risk months of February and March also require caution, with burn times reduced to 15 minutes. In September and October, UV levels remain concerning, categorized as very high, but they gradually decline into late autumn, with a return to high levels in November. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take appropriate precautions, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, especially during these high-risk months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Artawiyah | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| 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 |