Last updated: July 2, 2025
In 'Ayn al 'Arab, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With its Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers, local residents and visitors alike are exposed to significant UV radiation levels, especially during peak hours. From midday when the UV Index reaches a striking 11, awareness of these levels can help you take necessary precautions to safeguard your skin. Whether you're planning outdoor activities or simply enjoying the sunshine, knowing the daily UV exposure risks is essential for protecting yourself and promoting long-term skin health.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins to rise slowly, peaking at 1 by 07:00 before climbing steadily throughout the morning. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 5, but the real intensity kicks in as the sun approaches its zenith. 10:00 marks a significant jump to 8, followed closely by an impressive peak of 11 at 12:00 and 13:00, indicating a high risk for unprotected skin. As the afternoon progresses, the index drops to 9 by 14:00, then gradually declines to 7 at 15:00, before tapering back to a safer 5 by 16:00. As the day winds down, the UV levels return to 2 at 17:00 and finally settle at 1 by 19:00, reminding us that while midday sun offers the most intense rays, protective measures are vital throughout the day.
| 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 | 9 | 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 does the intensity of UV radiation, significantly impacting the health and safety of residents and visitors. From January to February, the UV Index ranges from 4 to 5, characterized as moderate, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. However, March marks a transition into higher levels, reaching a 7 (high) with a burn time of 25 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure are from April through August, where the Index reaches 9 to 12, classified as very high to extreme, drastically reducing safe exposure times to as little as 10 minutes. As the summer wanes, the index lowers to 9 in September and 7 in October before tapering off again to 4 inNovember and 3 in December. Visitors and residents should take precautions, especially during the high-risk months of April through August, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to mitigate the risks of UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latakia UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Aleppo UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| 'Ayn al 'Arab | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Hamah UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Homs UVI | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| Damascus UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |