Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Nizwa, Oman is crucial for safeguarding your skin health against the sun's harmful rays. With peak UV levels often soaring to 13 during midday hours, awareness of these fluctuations can play a pivotal role in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Nizwa's arid climate presents unique challenges, particularly in summer, where intense sun exposure can lead to significant health risks. By keeping a close watch on the UV Index, residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful Omani sun while taking appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their families.
As the sun climbs higher, the UV Index reaches its peak intensity around 12:00 PM, soaring to a striking 13—a clear signal for outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions. The morning hours start gently, with a low of 1 at 07:00 AM, gradually escalating to 6 by 09:00 AM and hitting 9 at 10:00 AM. By 11:00 AM, the sun begins to assert itself with a 12. However, as the afternoon progresses, the UV intensity starts to wane, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM, and tapering off to a mere 2 by 5:00 PM. As daylight diminishes, the UV Index dwindles to 0 by 7:00 PM, inviting a much-needed respite from the sun’s relentless rays. Always be vigilant and protect your skin during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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, solar UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months being from February to September, where the UV Index often reaches extreme levels of 12 or 13. Notably, March, April, May, July, and August all maintain an extreme exposure category, indicating a burn time of only 10 minutes for unprotected skin. Residents and visitors should take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade during peak hours. As we transition into November and December, the risk is somewhat lower, with a return to high exposure in January and December, but attention to UV protection remains essential year-round, especially during high and very high index periods.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sohar UVI | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 |
Bawshar UVI | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 7 |
Seeb UVI | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 7 |
Muscat UVI | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 7 |
Nizwa | 7 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
Salalah UVI | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 |