Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Damascus, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With the city basking in a Csb climate, the risks of overexposure can significantly increase, especially during peak sunlight hours when UV levels soar to a maximum of 12 around midday. Awareness of these fluctuating UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for promoting long-term skin health. As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the UV Index tells you when to take precautions—shielding yourself with sunscreen, clothing, or seeking shade becomes vital to enjoy the beautiful Syrian sunshine safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, starting at a minimal 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it reaches 3, heralding the day’s increasing intensity. The real peak occurs between 11:00 and 13:00, where it hits a blistering 12, indicating the perfect time for sun protection. The index gradually declines after 14:00, dropping to 8 at 15:00, and then gently settles down to 1 by 18:00, reflecting the waning sunlight. It's essential to stay aware of these hourly fluctuations to safeguard your skin against harmful UV rays throughout the day!
| 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months primarily occurring from March to August. During this period, the UV index peaks at 11 to 12, categorized as extreme, with very short burn times of only 10 minutes. Specifically, May through July represent the highest risk, emphasizing the need for increased sun safety measures. Visitors and residents are advised to wear protective clothing, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade during peak sun hours to mitigate the risk of UV exposure. As the seasons shift into fall and winter, the UV index decreases to moderate levels in November and December, allowing for more moderate sun exposure with burn times extending to 30 minutes.
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 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |