Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Mas'adah, Syrian Arab Republic, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also reduces long-term risks associated with excessive sun exposure, such as skin cancer. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers, Mas'adah experiences significant UV exposure, particularly from late morning to early afternoon when the index peaks at 11. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely!
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 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | 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, 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Mas'adah | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Damascus UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |