Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Dubai is crucial for anyone enjoying the sun-drenched beauty of this vibrant city. With consistently high UV levels—peaking around 10 during midday hours—it’s essential to be aware of sun exposure to prevent sunburn and protect long-term skin health. Dubai's BWh climate offers plenty of sunshine year-round, presenting significant risks of UV radiation, particularly between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the UV Index reaches its maximum. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors can embrace the outdoors safely while safeguarding their skin against harmful effects.
The UV Index for the day presents an intriguing pattern as the sun rises. Starting at 1 at 07:00, the index gradually climbs, peaking at 10 from 12:00 to 13:00, marking the time when sun protection is crucial. The intensity then begins to taper off, with values dropping to 6 by 15:00 and further declining to 1 by 19:00. With a maximum UV Index of 10, which indicates a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, it's essential to seek shade and wear protective clothing during peak hours. Stay sun-smart and enjoy the day safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, with peak levels observed during the spring and summer months. Notably, March to August sees the highest UV exposure, with values reaching a maximum of 12 in May, categorized as extreme, indicating a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. The months of March, April, May, June, and August are particularly high-risk, warranting extra caution for both visitors and residents. As a general guideline, it's crucial to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly, especially during these high UV months. In contrast, the late fall and winter months, from November to February, exhibit lower UV levels, with indices ranging from 5 to 7, categorized as moderate to high, allowing for slightly longer safe exposure times. Regardless of the month, staying informed about UV levels is essential for maintaining skin health year-round.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 6 | 7 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Ajman City UVI | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Abu Dhabi UVI | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 |
| Ras Al Khaimah City UVI | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 5 |
| Sharjah UVI | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |