Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Kuhlan `Affar, Yemen, where the hot, arid climate, classified as BWk, can lead to significant risks from sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching a staggering 12 between noon and 1 PM, awareness of UV levels can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. By keeping an eye on the daily UV Index, you can make informed choices about sun protection, ensuring your skin remains healthy while enjoying the region's beautiful sunny days.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing to a respectable 3 by 08:00. The real intensity kicks in around 09:00, reaching 6, and peaks at an impressive 12 by 12:00 noon, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The warmth continues into the early afternoon, with levels at 11 at 11:00 and tapering to 10 at 13:00. From there, the UV rays start to wane, dropping to 8 at 14:00, then way down to 5 at 15:00. As the day winds down, the index settles back to 3 at 16:00, dropping to 1 by 17:00, and finally fading to 0 after 19:00. It’s crucial to stay protected during those peak hours when the UV rays are at their strongest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | 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 | 12 | 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 |