Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Tartus, Syrian Arab Republic, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters, Tartus experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during peak hours. As the UV levels can soar to a maximum of 10 between 12 PM and 1 PM, being aware of these fluctuations helps residents and visitors alike take necessary precautions. Protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays is essential not just for comfort, but also for long-term health, making it important to stay informed about the UV Index each day.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its steady ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it jumps to 4, signaling the need for some skin protection. The intensity peaks at 12:00, reaching a maximum of 10, and then holds strong at 10 until 13:00. From there, the index gradually declines, dropping to 6 by 15:00 and continuing to decrease through the afternoon. By the time the sun begins to set, the UV Index settles back to a safe 1 by 19:00. This highlights the importance of being mindful of sun exposure during those midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest!
| 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 | 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 |
| Tartus | 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 |