The sun shines virtually all day, every day in Luxor. The sun rising and setting times, and the weather at this very moment are summarised on the front page. The typical number of sunshine hours per day in any month is illustrated on the weather page.

This guaranteed sunshine is gorgeous and it is why many people choose to go to Luxor. Nevertheless, there are hazards that it really is necessary to guard against.

It is generally thought that the thing to worry about most is Ultra Violet (UV). The problem is that you can't see UV and it is not the sort of thing you see in many weather forecasts or reports. There are ways to measure UV, but we are not aware of any information about UV levels being published in Luxor, so if you want to know whether you are getting too much sun, you will probably have to take a UV monitor with you.

Monitors are available in the UK, the USA, Europe and other countries. If you want to be able to measure UV levels and have difficulty finding a monitor locally, you can get the pictured one by post. It is designed to be suitable for children and adults. It tells you how strong the UV is. You can enter the sun factor of the cream you are wearing and it will sound an alarm when you have been in the sun for the recommended maximum time. We have seen it for around £20, but it's normal price in the UK is around £15, although it is sometimes on offer for a lower price. If you click the picture you will find the current price and other details.

Not many people will go so far as to take a monitor, but most people will use something to protect the skin from the worst effects of the sun. Current medical advice suggests that, because of the strength of the sun, you should start with a protection factor of at least 30, and preferably 50. That may sound high, but the tan does still get through.

Avon sell a factor 50 sun cream for children and several factor 30 creams for adults. Clicking one of the pictures should take you straight to the related product. Otherwise click 'suncare' 'holiday and suncare' or 'winter sun' (depending on the season) on the Avon front page.