Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Baabda, Lebanon, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful rays. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and supports long-term skin health, especially during the peak hours of exposure. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by sunny summers, residents of Baabda face significant UV exposure risks, particularly when the index peaks at a striking 11 around noon. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful sunny days while safeguarding your skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, but it quickly escalates as the day progresses. By 10:00 AM, the index reaches 7, signaling a significant increase in UV radiation. The peak occurs at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, when it hits a striking 11, indicating very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually declines, settling at 8 by 3:00 PM, then tapering off to 1 again by 7:00 PM. It's clear that midday is the time for caution—make sure to protect your skin during those hours!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 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 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, significantly influencing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. January and December exhibit moderate UV indices of 4, allowing up to 30 minutes of safe exposure. February marks an increase to a high level of 6, reducing safe exposure to 25 minutes. This upward trend peaks in the spring and early summer, with May and June reaching an extreme UV index of 11 and 12, allowing only 10 minutes of exposure. March and April also present very high risks with indices of 8 and 9, advising extreme caution during these months. High-risk months, particularly March to August, require visitors and residents to take preventative measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, especially when the index exceeds 8. As we move into fall, the UV index gradually declines, but remaining vigilant is still wise until November.
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 |
| Baabda | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Nabatiye et Tahta UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |