Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Khirbat al Ma`azzah, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially in a climate characterized by hot summers and mild, wet winters. As UV levels soar during the peak hours of 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, reaching a maximum of 11, being aware of these fluctuations is essential for making informed decisions about sun exposure. With high UV risks typical in this region, residents and visitors alike must take precautions to protect their skin, ensuring a safer and healthier outdoor experience.
As the sun rises, the UV Index creeps up from a gentle 1 at 07:00 to a more noticeable 2 by 08:00. The true intensity begins to manifest as the clock ticks toward mid-morning, reaching 5 at 09:00 and surging to 7 by 10:00. By 11:00, the UV levels climb to 9, peaking at a striking 11 at 12:00, indicating a time when sun protection is essential. The index then gradually declines, settling at 10 for 13:00, followed by a drop to 9 at 14:00. Afternoon sees the UV Index continue to wane, dropping to 7 at 15:00, and slipping further to 5 and 3 as the evening approaches. Finally, the UV exposure eases back to a safe 1 by 18:00 and 19:00, marking a gradual retreat into twilight.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | 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 | 6 | 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 |
Seasonal changes in the UV Index demonstrate notable shifts throughout the year, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months for UV exposure are primarily April to August, with UV Index values reaching as high as 11 in June and July, classified as extreme. During these months, the recommended burn time decreases to just 10 minutes, emphasizing the need for protective measures. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats during peak UV hours, particularly from late morning to mid-afternoon. As the year progresses into fall and winter, the UV Index decreases, with a return to moderate levels, but it's still essential to remain vigilant, as even lower indices can pose risks, especially for sensitive skin types.
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 |
| Khirbat al Ma`azzah | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 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 |