Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, where the desert climate can lead to significantly high levels of ultraviolet radiation. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, as the intensity can reach its peak between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, with values soaring to 11—a level that necessitates serious sun protection measures. With a BWh climate, Sharjah experiences ample sunshine throughout the year, making it vital to stay informed about UV exposure risks to ensure safety and enjoy the outdoors without compromising your skin's health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, slowly increasing throughout the morning. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 5, signaling a moderate level of UV exposure. The intensity peaks dramatically around 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, hitting an impressive 11, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips to 9 at 2:00 PM, and continues its decline, resting at 4 by 4:00 PM. The day winds down with values dropping to 1 by 6:00 PM and finally reaching 0 by 7:00 PM, marking the end of UV concerns for the day. Make sure to protect your skin during peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | 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 |