Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Kuhlan `Affar, Yemen is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's arid climate characteristic of the BWk zone, residents and visitors alike face heightened risks of UV exposure, particularly during peak hours. Knowing the varying UV levels throughout the day—where midday values can soar to 11—is essential for effective sunburn prevention. By paying attention to these UV readings, you can make informed decisions about sun safety and maintain better skin health, ensuring that your time outdoors is both enjoyable and safe.
At dawn, the UV Index starts off low at 1 by 7:00 AM, but as the day unfolds, it quickly rises. By 10:00 AM, it hits 8, reaching peak intensity at noon with an index of 11. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels begin to drop, stabilizing at 10 shortly after noon before gently declining to 5 by 3:00 PM. The sun’s influence wanes further as evening approaches, tapering down to 1 by 5:00 PM and finally dissipating to 0 by 7:00 PM. This fluctuation highlights the importance of sun protection during peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM 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 | 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 | 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 |
During the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, particularly peaking from February to September, where the index ranges from 12 to 14, indicating an extreme exposure category with a maximum burn time of just 10 minutes. The highest UV ratings occur in March and April with a UV Index of 14, making these months particularly hazardous for sun exposure. The high-risk months are therefore February through September, where individuals should take extra precautions to protect their skin. It is advisable for both visitors and residents to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently during these months to minimize the risk of UV-related health issues. As the year progresses into October to December, the UV Index drops to levels categorized as very high, particularly in November and January, where longer burn times of 15 minutes are noted. Staying vigilant about sun protection year-round is crucial for maintaining skin health.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Hudaydah UVI | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Aden UVI | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Kuhlan `Affar | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
| Taiz UVI | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
| Mukalla UVI | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
| Sanaa UVI | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |