Last updated: June 2, 2025
In El Hed, Algeria, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing painful sunburns. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers, residents and visitors alike face elevated UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when the index can soar to 11—a level that demands caution. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself from harmful rays, ensuring that you enjoy the sunny days of El Hed while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to a moderate 3, signaling an increase in sun exposure. The peak arrives between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, hitting a striking 11, where protective measures are essential. As the afternoon rolls in, the index gradually declines, dipping to 9 at 2:00 PM and then down to 5 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, it returns to a safe 1 by 6:00 PM, wrapping up a day marked by a significant solar intensity that calls for vigilance during the 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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, the UV Index varies significantly, indicating fluctuating levels of sun exposure risk. High-risk months typically occur from March to September, with the peak in June when the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 11 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Specifically, April (8), May (10), July (10), and August (9) maintain very high levels, emphasizing the need for heightened sun protection. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours. As we move towards the winter months, the UV Index drops, becoming moderate in November (4) and remaining low in December (3) and January (3), allowing for more comfortable outdoor activities without as much concern for sunburn.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algiers UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Boumerdas UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| el hed | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Constantine UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Oran UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Tebessa UVI | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |