Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Ash Shihaniyah, Qatar, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and promotes long-term skin health by guiding residents and visitors on safe sun practices. Situated in a BWh climate zone, Ash Shihaniyah experiences intense sunlight, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can soar to 11 around midday. By staying informed about the day's UV levels, you can make wiser decisions about outdoor activities to enjoy the sun safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking dramatically around midday. At 07:00, the index is a modest 2, a gentle introduction to the day's potential. By 08:00, it climbs to 5, signaling the need for some sun protection. The real intensity hits between 10:00 and 12:00, where the index reaches its maximum of 11, making this the most crucial time to seek shade and shield your skin. As the afternoon unfolds, the UV levels start to decline: by 15:00, it's lower at 4, and by 18:00, it drops further to 1. Finally, as night approaches, the index plummets to 0 at 19:00. Being aware of these fluctuations is vital for staying sun-safe throughout the day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | 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 levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk occurring from February to August. February and March kick off the extreme UV exposure period, with March peaking at a UV Index of 11, which persists through April, May, June, July, and August. Notably, May reaches a peak UV Index of 12, denoting the most intense sun exposure. As summer transitions to fall, UV levels begin to decrease; however, September and October still present high risks with a very high UV Index of 10 and 9, respectively. Residents and visitors should exercise caution during these high-risk months, particularly from February to August, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to mitigate the risk of skin damage. As winter approaches, the UV Index drops to 5 in December, indicating a moderate level of sun exposure, allowing for safer outdoor activities during those months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Khawr UVI | 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 |
| Ash Shihaniyah | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |