Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Salalah, Oman, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With temperatures often soaring, understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and reduce the long-term risk of skin damage. Salalah’s hot desert climate presents unique challenges, particularly during peak sun hours when UV exposure can reach extreme levels of 12 to 13! Being informed about the UV Index throughout the day—from a manageable 1 in the early morning to a hazardous 13 at noon—empowers you to enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin. Stay vigilant and make sun safety a priority during your adventures in this beautiful coastal city!
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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | 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 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 |