Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Al Wajh, Saudi Arabia, where the climate is characterized by a hot desert environment (BWh) that exposes inhabitants to intense sunlight. As UV levels can dramatically shift throughout the day—peaking at a hazardous 11 around noon—awareness of these fluctuations is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, ensuring safer outdoor activities under the brilliant Arabian sun.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a fascinating story of increasing intensity as the sun climbs higher. Starting the morning at a mild level of 1 at 07:00, the index gradually ascends, reaching 2 by 08:00. By 09:00, the intensity surges to 5, but it’s at 10:00 that the day truly peaks, with a noteworthy 8. The UV Index hits its zenith between 11:00 and 13:00, boasting a remarkable 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. However, as the afternoon progresses, the index starts to drop: it falls to 9 at 14:00, then gently slides to 7 by 15:00, before tapering off to 4 at 16:00, and finally retreating to 2 at 17:00 and a serene 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. This data highlights the importance of sun protection, especially during those peak hours when the 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal changes in UV radiation significantly impact outdoor activities. From January to April, UV levels gradually rise, with February and March marked by very high conditions, where exposure can lead to burns in as little as 15 minutes. The summer months of May to August see UV indices peaking at an extreme level of 11, requiring only 10 minutes of exposure to result in skin damage. As the year progresses into the fall, September and October remain very high, while November and December see a decrease back to high levels, with burn times increasing to 25 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of April through August, applying sunscreen frequently and seeking shade during peak sun hours to protect their skin.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Wajh | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 |
| 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 |