Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Jawl al Majma', Yemen, where the BWh climate brings plenty of sunshine and intense UV exposure. As the sun rises higher in the sky, so does the potential for harmful UV rays that can lead to sunburn and long-term skin health issues. With midday UV levels frequently peaking at 12, it's crucial to be aware of these variations throughout the day to protect your skin and overall health. By familiarizing yourself with the UV Index, you can plan your outdoor activities and take appropriate precautions to enjoy the beautiful Yemeni sun safely.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts with a mild rating of 1, making it safe for morning activities. However, as the sun rises, it quickly gains intensity, peaking at a striking 12 by 12:00—the highest point of the day. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 and 13:00, with a critical UV level of 11 at 11:00. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to wane, dropping to 8 by 14:00, and further declining to 5 by 15:00. By 17:00, the UV Index decreases to a safer 1, paving the way for evening activities under less harsh sunlight. As night falls, the UV activity fades to 0 at 19:00, offering a gentle reminder of the sun's powerful presence during the day.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels vary, with January through May marking the peak of UV intensity, where the UV Index reaches up to 14, categorized as extreme, and a burn time of only 10 minutes for skin without protection. The high-risk months are therefore primarily from February to May. Despite slight fluctuations in June through October, the UV Index remains elevated at 12 to 13, still categorized as extreme for July, August, and October. As UV levels drop in November and December to indices of 10 and 9 respectively, the exposure category shifts to very high, with burn times increasing slightly to 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should prioritize skin protection with adequate sunscreen and clothing, especially during the peak months, to minimize the risk of harmful 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 |
| Jawl al Majma' | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Sanaa UVI | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |