Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Salalah, Oman, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. With a tropical desert climate characterized by high temperatures and intense sunlight, Salalah experiences significant UV exposure, especially between late morning and early afternoon. During peak hours, the UV Index can soar to a staggering 13, highlighting the importance of sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. By staying informed about daily UV levels, residents and visitors alike can take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely while mitigating risks associated with overexposure.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a distinct pattern of rising intensity and eventual decline. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, it quickly ramps up, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM and hitting 5 by 9:00 AM. The sun climbs higher, peaking at 13 during the midday hours from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, a time when protective measures are essential. As the afternoon progresses, the index gently descends to 10 at 2:00 PM and further dips to 7 by 3:00 PM. The sun begins to wane, bringing not only a cooler feel but also a significant drop to 2 by 5:00 PM and finishing the day at a safe 0 after 7:00 PM. For those basking in the sunlight, these shifts serve as timely reminders to stay protected during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 | 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 Index levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest risk months being from February to October. During these months, the UV Index frequently reaches extreme levels (11-14), with a particularly concerning peak in April at an Index of 14. The burn time, which is the time it takes for skin to start reddening, is notably short at just 10 minutes during this period, necessitating vigilant sun protection. January and November present slightly lower risks with a UV Index of 10, and December sees a further drop to 9, both categorized as "very high" but allowing for a longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to use broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during midday hours. Taking these precautions is essential to safeguard against skin damage and other UV-related health risks.
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 |
| Salalah | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 |