Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Bougara, Algeria, where the sun shines brightly under a Mediterranean climate. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health, making it essential for outdoor activities. With peak UV exposure often reaching a staggering 11 around midday, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is vital to shield your skin from harmful rays. In this sun-kissed region, where the beauty of nature beckons, staying informed about the UV Index becomes a key part of enjoying the great outdoors safely.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a dynamic trajectory, peaking during midday hours. Early in the morning, at 7:00 AM, the index is a mere 1, indicating minimal risk. However, as the sun rises, the intensity escalates sharply, reaching 11 by 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, signaling a high risk period for unprotected skin. By 3:00 PM, there's a noticeable decline to 8, and it continues to fall gently, arriving back at 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s crucial to stay protected during those peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the sun's rays are the 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels fluctuate significantly, affecting sun exposure risks for residents and visitors. From January to February, the UV Index remains moderate (3-5) with a safe burn time of 30 minutes. However, as spring approaches, March sees a rise to a high index of 7, with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The summer months are marked by extreme UV exposure: June and July register the highest at 11, indicating a mere 10 minutes before skin damage can occur. Notably, April and May also feature very high levels, necessitating protective measures. The fall months show a gradual decrease in UV intensity, with September at 8 and October at 7, allowing for 15 to 25 minutes of burn time. Visitors and residents should take precautions during high-risk months from March to September, particularly in June and July, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
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 |
| Bougara | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 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 |