Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ash Shihaniyah, Qatar is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's hot desert climate (BWh), residents face significant risks from intense ultraviolet radiation, especially during peak daylight hours. Knowing the UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring you enjoy the sun wisely. During the day, the UV Index peaks between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, reaching dangerously high levels of 11, so being aware of these figures is essential for making informed choices about sun protection. Stay informed and keep your skin safe!
The UV Index rises steadily through the morning, starting at a manageable 2 at 7:00 AM, before peaking at an intensity of 11 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This peak signifies a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, urging everyone to take necessary precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 9 by 1:00 PM and further to 4 by 3:00 PM. By evening, the UV levels dwindle to 1 at 5:00 PM, reaching 0 by 7:00 PM, indicating a safe period for outdoor activities without sun protection. It's crucial to be mindful of these variations throughout the day to ensure skin safety!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 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 |