Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Hajar al Masha'ikh, Yemen, is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially in this BWh climate zone, characterized by hot and dry conditions. With UV levels peaking at midday, reaching a maximum of 12, awareness of these levels can help locals and visitors alike take appropriate precautions to protect their skin. As the sun shines intensely in this region, understanding the risks associated with high UV exposure not only promotes personal health but also enhances outdoor enjoyment—essential in a place where sunny days abound.
At dawn, the sun's rays begin gently, with a UV Index of 2 at 07:00. As the morning progresses, this value steadily climbs, reaching 4 by 08:00 and peaking at a robust 12 by noon. The highest intensity occurs between 11:00 and 12:00, where caution is advised under the relentless sun. Following this peak, the index slightly decreases to 11 at 13:00 and dips further to 8 by 14:00, signifying a gradual retreat of UV strength. The afternoon winds down with safer levels, dropping to 5 at 15:00, and continuing its decline to 2 by 16:00. As the evening sets in, UV exposure tapers off dramatically, falling to 1 by 17:00, and fading into 0 at 19:00. Always remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant changes throughout the year, with extreme levels peaking from January to September. The highest values occur in March and April at 13-14, clearly indicating a high-risk period for sunburn, where just 10 minutes of unprotected exposure can lead to skin damage. Post-summer months like September still present elevated levels at 13 but begin to decrease, transitioning into November and December where the index drops to 11 and 9 respectively, categorized as very high with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly encouraged to take protective measures, particularly during the peak months, by seeking shade, wearing sunscreen, and donning protective clothing to mitigate potential health risks from UV exposure.
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 |
| 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 |
| Hajar al Masha'ikh | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 9 |
| Sanaa UVI | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |