Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Manama, Bahrain is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the intense sun exposure typical of the BWh climate, awareness of UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the UV Index can reach a maximum of 10, the risk of harmful effects increases significantly. By staying informed about these levels, you can enjoy the sun safely while ensuring your skin remains healthy in this vibrant city.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index begins at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM, slowly rising to reach a moderate 4 by 8:00 AM. The intensity climbs steadily, peaking at 10 by 11:00 AM and remaining at this maximum level until 12:00 PM. As the afternoon approaches, the index begins to decline, dropping to 9 at 1:00 PM, and back to 4 by 3:00 PM. By the time the sun sets, the UV Index decreases significantly to 1 at 5:00 PM and just 0 by 7:00 PM, making the early hours the most crucial for sun protection. Remember, while outdoor activities are enticing, being mindful of the UV levels is essential for skin safety!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
15:00 | 4 | 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 notable fluctuations throughout the year, peaking in the late spring and summer months. High-risk months are primarily March through October, where values reach 10 or above, indicating very high to extreme exposure categories. Particularly hazardous are May and June, both with a UV Index of 11, where the burn time is dangerously short at just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly. As the season shifts into November and December, the UV risk decreases, with burn times extending to 25–30 minutes, allowing for safer outdoor activities. Nevertheless, vigilance is still advised, particularly in early spring when UV levels can still pose risks.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Manama | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
Ar Rifa' UVI | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
Al Muharraq UVI | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
Madinat Hamad UVI | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 |
Dar Kulayb UVI | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 |