Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Zahle, Lebanon, where the warm Mediterranean climate can expose individuals to harmful ultraviolet rays. With UV levels peaking at a striking 12 around midday, awareness is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health. The risks of excessive sun exposure are heightened during the summer months, making it vital to monitor the UV Index daily. By staying informed, you can enjoy the beautiful sunshine while protecting your skin from potential damage!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00, it ramps up to 3, but it’s between 9:00 and 11:00 that it truly peaks, reaching a striking 11 at 12:00 PM, the hour when sun protection becomes essential. The afternoon sun keeps its intensity, maintaining a strong 12 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. However, as the day progresses, the index starts to dip, falling to 10 by 2:00 PM and gradually easing to 5 by 4:00 PM. Finally, the UV Index diminishes to a safe 1 by 6:00 PM, signaling the end of the solar intensity. It’s a clear reminder that midday hours demand vigilance against UV exposure! 🌞
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, which peak in the summer months. January sees a moderate UV Index of 5, but by February, it rises to 6, indicating high risk. The most critical months for UV exposure are March through August, where the index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 13 in June. During these high-risk months, burn times decrease significantly to as little as 10 minutes. Conversely, September to December presents a gradual decline in risk, with November returning to a moderate level of 5. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during the peak months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM, to mitigate the risks of UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tripoli UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Sidon UVI | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Beirut UVI | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| Tyre UVI | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Nabatiye et Tahta UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Zahle | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |