Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Al Khawr, Qatar, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially in a region characterized by a hot desert climate (BWh). With peak UV levels soaring to 10 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, residents and visitors alike must be proactive in protecting themselves from harmful UV radiation. Emphasizing the importance of daily UV Index awareness allows everyone to take necessary precautions, ensuring outdoor activities can be enjoyed safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage. Whether you’re soaking in the sun or engaging in outdoor activities, staying informed about UV levels is essential for your well-being in this sun-drenched locale.
The UV Index shows a notable rise in intensity as the day progresses, peaking during the midday hours. Starting at a low 2 at 07:00, the UV levels ramp up quickly, reaching 4 by 08:00 and 6 by 09:00. The sun's power becomes undeniable by 10:00, skyrocketing to 9, and it hits its maximum of 10 at 11:00 and 12:00—a clear indication that the risk for sun exposure is high. Fortunately, the intensity begins to decline in the afternoon, dipping to 9 at 13:00, followed by a drop to 6 at 14:00, and eventually returning to 4 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index continues to fall to 2 at 16:00, and slowly wanes to 1 by 17:00 and 18:00, finally dropping to 0 at 19:00. This data serves as a reminder to prioritize sun safety, especially during those midday hours when the UV levels are at their highest.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from February to May. During these months, the UV Index reaches extremes, peaking at 12 in May, where the burn time is only 10 minutes. Following closely, March and April also present serious risks with UV indices of 11 and 10, respectively. As summer progresses into July and August, the UV remains dangerously high at 10, while September and October still maintain a level of concern with indices around 9 and 8. Residents and visitors are advised to take extra precautions during these critical months, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using broad-spectrum sunscreen to mitigate the risk of UV-related skin damage. The lower risk periods, such as November and December, still require caution but allow for more prolonged safe exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Khawr | 6 | 8 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 |
| Umm Salal Muhammad UVI | 6 | 8 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 |
| Al Wakrah UVI | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 |
| Ar Rayyan UVI | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 |
| Doha UVI | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 |