Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. With its typically arid climate and abundant sun, Sharjah experiences high UV levels, especially during midday hours, posing significant risks for sunburn and long-term skin health issues. By keeping a close eye on the UV Index, you can effectively make informed decisions about sun safety, ensuring that outdoor activities remain enjoyable while protecting your skin from harmful rays. During peak hours, particularly around noon, when the UV Index can reach a staggering 12, awareness and prevention are key to safeguarding your well-being under the intense Middle Eastern sun.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a striking pattern of intensity. In the early morning, at 7:00 AM, it begins modestly at 1, gradually ramping up to 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, 9:00 AM sees the index soar to 6, reaching a peak of 12 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM—a reminder of the midday sun’s potency. In the afternoon, the value dips from 12 at 1:00 PM down to 9 by 2:00 PM, then further decreases to 6 at 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index continues to fall, ending at a minimal 0 by 7:00 PM. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours when the UV index hits 11 and 12!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai UVI | 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 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |