UV Index in Mashhad, Iran

Last updated: August 1, 2025

In Mashhad, Iran, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sunlight. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, especially as the UV intensity can reach a maximum of 12 during peak hours around noon. With a semi-arid climate (BSk) that sees significant sunlight exposure, residents and visitors alike face increased risks from UV radiation. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can make informed decisions to enjoy the sun safely, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable experience in this beautiful city.

Hourly UV Index in Mashhad

The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a dramatic rise, peaking at 12 around noon. Starting from a humble 2 at 7:00 AM, the intensity steadily climbs as the sun ascends. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 9, signaling that sun protection is essential. The zenith occurs at 11:00 AM with a staggering 11, followed closely by 12 at noon, making it crucial to seek shade and wear sunscreen. The index begins to taper off in the afternoon, descending to 6 by 3:00 PM, and then falls further to 1 as evening sets in. This trend underscores the importance of monitoring UV levels to ensure safe sun exposure at its peak.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	2	low	45 min
08:00	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	6	high	25 min
10:00	8	very high	15 min
11:00	10	very high	15 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 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	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Mashhad

Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, marking significant changes in sun exposure risk levels. The high-risk months are primarily from March to August, where the UV Index peaks at 12, categorized as extreme, indicating a burn time as short as 10 minutes. In contrast, months like January, November, and December fall into the moderate category with UV Index values around 3 to 4, allowing for longer exposure without immediate harm. Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution during the high-risk months, particularly by seeking shade and wearing protective clothing and sunscreen during peak sunlight hours to mitigate the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Mashhad, Iran

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Mashhad. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Mashhad, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Mashhad UV Index with Other Iran Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Mashhad compares to other major locations across Iran. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Mashhad's solar exposure compared to other cities in Iran. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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	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