Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Al Khaburah, Oman, where the climate is characterized by hot, arid conditions typical of a BWh zone. As the sun shines brightly, awareness of UV levels can significantly impact sunburn prevention and overall skin health. With peak UV Index values soaring to a hazardous 12 at noon, recognizing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can help protect against the dangers of excessive sun exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the stunning desert landscape while safeguarding your skin from potential harm.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, peaking sharply at 12 around noon, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Starting at a minimal 1 at 07:00, it escalates to 3 by 08:00, before surging to 9 at 10:00. From 11:00 to 13:00, the intensity reaches its zenith, showcasing values of 11 and 12, respectively, urging caution for those outdoors. After its peak, the UV Index starts to wane, dropping to 10 at 14:00 and gradually descending to 4 by 16:00. As the day draws to a close, the UV exposure dwindles, settling back to 1 at 18:00, and eventually falling to 0 by 19:00, marking a significant decrease in sun intensity. Be mindful of these fluctuations to protect your skin!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, peaking during the warmer months. January starts with a UV Index of 7 (high), but by February, it escalates to 8 (very high), indicating an increased risk. The months of March through July represent the highest risk, with UV Index values reaching 12 (extreme) and a notably brief burn time of just 10 minutes. August and September maintain an UV Index of 11 (extreme), stressing the importance of sun protection. As temperatures cool, October sees a decrease to 9 (very high), followed by a return to high levels in November and December with indices of 7 and 6, respectively, and longer burn times of 25 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months from March through September, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday when UV radiation is at its peak.
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 |
| Al Khaburah | 7 | 8 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 |
| Salalah UVI | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 |