Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Tehran is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index provides vital information about daily sun exposure that helps residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and reduce the long-term risks of skin damage. Tehran's Csa climate often features intense sunlight, especially during the peak afternoon hours when the UV Index can soar to alarming levels—reaching 11! Given this significant fluctuation in UV levels from morning to evening, being aware of the UV Index can play a pivotal role in safeguarding your skin while enjoying the vibrant outdoors of this historic city.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic rise and fall that is vital for sun safety. Starting at 07:00, it begins with a low reading of 1, but by 08:00, it climbs to 3. The intensity peaks between 11:00 and 13:00, soaring to an impressive 11, indicating a significant risk for harm without sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index starts to decline, dipping to 10 at 14:00, then falling further to 7 by 15:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index drops quickly, reaching a low of 1 by 18:00 and remaining there until 19:00. To enjoy the outdoors safely, be sure to slather on the sunscreen during that midday surge!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable changes, indicating fluctuating levels of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months are primarily March to August, where the UV Index peaks at 13 in May, classified as extreme with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes during that period. April to August also show sustained levels of very high to extreme UV exposure, urging both visitors and residents to take extra precautions. It is advisable to limit sun exposure during these months, seek shade, wear protective clothing, and use high-SPF sunscreen to safeguard against harmful UV rays. As the year progresses into September and October, UV levels slightly decrease but remain significant, necessitating caution until winter months bring about more moderate conditions.
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 | 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 |