Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ash Shihaniyah, Qatar is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With the region's BWh climate, residents and visitors face significant UV exposure, especially during the peak hours of sun from 10 AM to 2 PM when levels soar to 12. By monitoring UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburns and promote long-term skin health, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle safely. Whether you’re sunbathing, engaging in outdoor sports, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll, being informed about the UV Index can make all the difference in protecting your skin from the sun’s intense rays.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic rise and fall, reflecting the sun's intensity. Starting at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM, the index escalates to a striking 12 by noon, indicating peak sun exposure that calls for adequate sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, reaching 10 at 1:00 PM before tapering off to 4 by 3:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, the UV Index drops significantly to 1, and as sunset approaches, it diminishes to 0 by 7:00 PM. This data emphasizes the importance of midday sunscreen application, especially when the index peaks, ensuring safety during the sun's most potent hours.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | 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 |