Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Tehran, Iran, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's Csa climate, characterized by hot summers and sunny days, awareness of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. As the sun's rays peak with a maximum UV Index of 12 between midday hours, it's essential to take precautions during these times to enjoy outdoor activities safely. By staying informed about UV exposure risks, you can ensure that your time in Tehran remains pleasant while safeguarding your skin's health.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts at a modest 1, indicating low exposure risk. As the sun rises higher in the sky, the intensity escalates, reaching 3 by 08:00 and 6 by 09:00. The peak arrives at 12:00, with the index soaring to a maximum of 12, denoting a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. It remains intense through 13:00, before gradually tapering off—slipping to 11 at 14:00 and then decreasing further to 8 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the UV Index declines to 5 at 16:00 and continues its descent to 3 by 17:00, eventually resettling at a low 1 by 18:00 and lingering there until 19:00. This clear pattern underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours, especially between 10:00 and 14:00 when the UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |