UV Index in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia, where the climate is characterized by hot summers and plenty of sunshine. Awareness of UV levels empowers you to protect your skin and prevent sunburn, reducing the risk of long-term skin health issues. With peak UV Index values reaching as high as 12 in midday hours, it's essential to stay informed about your exposure risks. By knowing when the sun's rays are most intense—typically between 10 AM and 2 PM—you can take proactive measures to enjoy the outdoors safely and minimize harmful effects.

Hourly UV Index in Al Kharj

At sunrise, the UV Index begins at a gentle 2 by 07:00, but as the sun rises higher, the intensity quickly escalates. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 7, signaling outdoor enthusiasts to apply sunscreen. The peak comes at 11:00 and 12:00, where the index peaks at a striking 12, indicating very high levels of UV radiation. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually decreases, dipping to 8 by 14:00 and further dropping to 5 by 15:00. In the late afternoon and evening, the UV Index retreats to 3 by 16:00, finally settling at 1 by 17:00 and fading to 0 after 19:00. This daily cycle highlights the importance of sun safety during those peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	2	low	45 min
08:00	4	moderate	30 min
09:00	7	high	25 min
10:00	10	very high	15 min
11:00	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	12	extreme	10 min
13:00	11	extreme	10 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Al Kharj

Throughout the year, UV Index levels vary significantly, with the most critical months being February to September when the index reaches very high to extreme levels. In particular, May to August are the highest risk months, with UV Index readings of 12 and burn times as short as 10 minutes. As a result, residents and visitors should be especially vigilant during these months, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen to minimize the risk of skin damage. Conversely, in the months of January, November, and December, UV levels decrease to high, allowing slightly longer burn times of 25 minutes, yet caution is still advised. For overall skin safety, it is essential to track daily UV levels and adjust sun exposure accordingly throughout the year.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Al Kharj. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Al Kharj, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Al Kharj UV Index with Other Saudi Arabia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Al Kharj compares to other major locations across Saudi Arabia. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Al Kharj's solar exposure compared to other cities in Saudi Arabia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Al Kharj	7	9	10	10	12	12	11	11	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