Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Shiraz, Iran, especially given the region's semi-arid climate which can lead to high UV exposure. With peak UV levels soaring to 13 during midday, awareness of these numbers is crucial for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. Shiraz experiences significant sun intensity throughout the year, making it vital to grasp how UV levels fluctuate daily. By staying informed about the UV index, you can enjoy the beautiful sights of Shiraz while protecting yourself from harmful effects of the sun.
From the early morning hours, the UV Index steadily rises, beginning at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, it reaches 3 by 8:00 AM before surging to 6 at 9:00 AM. The peak occurs between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, with an intense UV Index of 12 at 11:00 AM and a maximum of 13 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index starts to decline, dropping to 11 at 2:00 PM, then to 8 by 3:00 PM, and further down to 5 at 4:00 PM. Finally, as the sun sets, the risk decreases significantly, ending the day at 1 by 6:00 PM, illustrating a classic curve of sun intensity throughout the day. Remember to take precautions during the peak hours to protect your skin!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring from March to September. During this peak period, particularly in May and June, the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 14 and 13, respectively, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. February marks the onset of high-risk months, escalating to an extreme classification by March, and sustaining this dangerous threshold through August. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant during these months, adopting necessary precautions such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade especially during peak sun hours. As the year progresses towards November and December, UV levels decrease, reducing exposure risks. However, it's essential to remember that UV radiation can still be harmful, even in cooler months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karaj UVI | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Mashhad UVI | 4 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Tehran UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Tabriz UVI | 4 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Isfahan UVI | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 |
| Shiraz | 6 | 8 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 |