Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Al Wajh, Saudi Arabia, where the BWh climate contributes to high levels of sun exposure. Knowing the UV levels helps in taking necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and maintain skin health, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to 11. With daily variations in UV intensity, awareness allows you to enjoy the sunny climate while minimizing risks associated with excessive UV radiation, ensuring your outdoor activities are both enjoyable and safe.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity. At 7:00 AM, the day begins with a gentle UVI of 1, making it safe for early risers. By 8:00 AM, it ticks up to 2, still in the low range. As the sun climbs higher, the index jumps to 4 at 9:00 AM, indicating a moderate level of UV radiation. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, where the index soars to an alarming 11, highlighting the need for sun protection during these hours. Fortunately, as the afternoon progresses, the levels start to decline, dropping to 10 by 2:00 PM and then to 7 and 5 through 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, it settles back to 2, and by 6:00 PM, a return to the safer 1 concludes a day dominated by high UV intensity. Remember, at high levels, sun safety is vital!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | 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 |