UV Index in Muscat, Oman

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Muscat, Oman, awareness of the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors alike, as it serves as a critical tool for protecting your skin from sun damage. Understanding UV levels is paramount not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for ensuring long-term skin health, especially in a city known for its intense sunlight. Muscat’s climate, characterized by a BWh classification, brings significant UV exposure risks, particularly during peak hours from 11 AM to 1 PM, when the UV Index can soar to a dangerous 12. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful sunny days while keeping your skin safe and healthy.

Hourly UV Index in Muscat

The UV Index today displays a dynamic pattern, reaching its zenith during the midday hours. Starting off at a modest 2 at 07:00, it quickly escalates through the morning, peaking at a formidable 12 from 11:00 to 12:00. This intense exposure underscores the need for sun protection during the late morning hours. As the afternoon progresses, UV levels begin to taper off, dropping to 9 by 14:00, and then further declining to 6 at 15:00. In the evening, the index falls to 1 by 17:00, finally settling at 0 after 19:00. With this data, it's clear that the brightest hours require extra caution to safeguard against harmful UV rays!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	2	low	45 min
08:00	4	moderate	30 min
09:00	6	high	25 min
10:00	9	very high	15 min
11:00	12	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Muscat

Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variations, with the highest risk typically occurring from March to September. During these months, the UV Index often reaches extreme levels (11-12), meaning the potential for skin damage from sun exposure is notably high. February also surfaces as a high-risk month with a UV Index of 8, categorized as very high. January, October, November, and December present lower risks, with UV Index values ranging from 7 to 9, categorized as high or very high but allowing for longer burn times of 15 to 25 minutes. As a precaution, it is advisable for both visitors and residents to practice sun safety by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, especially from March to September when the risk of UV exposure is at its peak.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Muscat, Oman

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Muscat. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Muscat, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Muscat UV Index with Other Oman Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Muscat compares to other major locations across Oman. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Muscat's solar exposure compared to other cities in Oman. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Muscat	7	8	11	11	12	11	12	11	11	9	7	7
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
Salalah UVI	10	11	13	14	13	13	13	12	13	11	10	9