Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Al Qabil, Oman, where the sun shines brightly throughout the year. Awareness of UV levels helps in preventing sunburns and safeguarding skin health, making it an essential part of daily life in this warm climate. With an average maximum UV Index peaking at 13 during the hottest hours, Al Qabil presents significant exposure risks, especially between 11 AM and 1 PM. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing potential harm to your skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it ramps up to 3, but the real intensity hits by 10:00, peaking at an impressive 13 at 12:00. 11:00 is a critical time, with the index reaching 12, indicating the need for sun protection, as the rays are intense. The UV levels gradually decline after 01:00, settling back to 7 by 15:00 and steadily decreasing to 2 by 17:00. As the day ends, the UV Index drops to 0 by 19:00, marking a safe time to enjoy the evening outdoors sans concern. Be mindful of the peak hours when UV exposure is at its highest!
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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 7 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk occurring from March through September. During these months, particularly March and April with indexes peaking at 11 and 13, respectively, the exposure category is rated as extreme, necessitating a burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, the months of January and February still pose very high risks with indices of 8 and 9 and a burn time of 15 minutes. October also maintains a very high classification as the index decreases to 10. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak UV hours. It's crucial to remain vigilant in these high-risk months to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 Qabil | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
Salalah UVI | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 |