Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Madha' al Jadidah, Oman, being aware of the UV Index is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's climate characterized as arid (BWh), the sun's rays can be particularly intense, peaking at a high UV Index of 11 around midday. Understanding these UV levels empowers residents and visitors to take necessary precautions, ensuring that outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe. By checking the UV Index and adjusting sun protection measures accordingly, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of skin damage while enjoying the stunning landscapes of Madha' al Jadidah.
The UV Index shows a dramatic rise in intensity throughout the morning, beginning at a modest 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it escalates to 6, and by 10:00, it reaches a notable 8. The peak occurs at 12:00, where the UV Index hits an impressive 11, signaling a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Afternoon sun exposure remains significant, with the index dropping to 10 at 13:00, before gradually declining to 6 by 15:00. As the sun begins to set, the UV Index settles to 3 at 16:00, and further diminishes to 1 by 18:00 and 0 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during the midday hours, when UV exposure is at its most intense.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits notable seasonal changes, with high-risk months primarily occurring from February to September, where the index peaks at 12 in May. From January to March, the index rises sharply, with February classified as very high and a burn time of just 15 minutes. The most critical months for sun exposure are March through August, all categorized as extreme, allowing only 10 minutes of safe sun exposure before skin damage can occur. As summer transitions into fall, the risk slightly decreases, but September and October remain at very high levels, with burn times of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during these peak months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV radiation is strongest.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madha' al Jadidah | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 |
| 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 UVI | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 |