Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the historic city of Shahba, Syrian Arab Republic, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As the sun shines fiercely in this semi-arid climate, daily UV levels can soar to dangerous heights—peaking at 12 around noon. Awareness of these UV readings helps residents and visitors alike, as it plays a vital role in preventing sunburns and reducing long-term skin damage risks. With the sun's rays becoming more intense during peak hours, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can be a game-changer for enjoying the beautiful outdoors safely.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index climbs steadily, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it reaches a moderate 3, signaling the first hints of sun exposure. The intensity increases sharply, hitting 5 by 09:00 and peaking at a robust 12 during the midday hours of 12:00 and 13:00. This is a crucial time for sun protection! As the afternoon wears on, the index gradually declines, dropping to 10 at 14:00 and tapering off to 7 by 15:00. By the evening, the level returns to a more manageable 1 by 18:00, marking the end of the intense UV exposure for the day. Stay vigilant and protect your skin during those peak 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels show significant seasonal variation, with high-risk months predominantly from March to October. During this period, March to May experiences very high to extreme levels, peaking in June with an index of 13 and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take particular care during these months, scheduling outdoor activities before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when UV radiation is less intense. July and August, while still extreme, begin to decline, but caution remains essential. As autumn approaches, the UV index decreases, with November and December returning to a moderate exposure level of 4-5. It is advisable for all to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade when levels are high, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience throughout the year.
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 |
| 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 |
| Shahba | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |