Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Dukhan, Qatar is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With high UV levels peaking between 10 AM and 1 PM, awareness of these fluctuating levels is key to preventing sunburn and supporting long-term skin health. Dukhan's BWh climate, featuring hot and arid conditions, often leads to increased sun exposure, making it essential for residents and visitors to stay informed about daily UV risks. By knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen, you can enjoy the sun responsibly while keeping your skin protected.
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 variation, with the highest risk months being March to June, where the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 11. In March, May, and June, individuals have a burn time of just 10 minutes, necessitating heightened caution during outdoor activities. February follows closely with a UV Index of 8 (very high), and the burn time drops to 15 minutes. As the summer transitions to fall, UV levels remain high but gradually decrease, with September and October still classified as very high. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures, especially during these peak months: wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. In contrast, December offers a lower UV Index of 5 (moderate), allowing for safer outdoor exposure, while January and November hold a high exposure category, recommending 25-minute burn times.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dukhan | 6 | 8 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 |
| 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 |