Last updated: May 3, 2025
In El Oued, Algeria, understanding the UV Index is crucial for anyone looking to enjoy the sun safely. As a region characterized by a hot desert climate (BWh), residents and visitors are often exposed to high levels of ultraviolet radiation, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the UV Index can peak at 10—a level that significantly increases the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. By keeping an eye on the UV levels throughout the day, individuals can take proactive measures to protect their skin health and prevent the harmful effects of overexposure to the sun. Stay informed and safeguard your skin in this sun-soaked oasis!
The UV Index peaks during the midday sun, reaching a maximum of 10 at noon, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the index rises steadily from a mild 1 at 07:00 to an intensity of 9 by 11:00, prompting outdoor enthusiasts to stay protected. From 12:00 to 13:00, the UV Index remains at its highest, encouraging the use of sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing. Following this peak, it begins to dip gradually, falling to 4 by 16:00 and continuing to decrease to 1 by 19:00, when the day winds down and the sun begins to set. It's crucial to be mindful of these fluctuations and take necessary precautions 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, peaking in the summer months. January and December display moderate UV levels (Index 4), allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. As we transition into February (Index 6), the risk escalates to high, reducing the safe exposure time to 25 minutes. The intensity reaches a turning point in March (Index 8) and remains very high through May (Index 10), necessitating more vigilant sun protection. June and July mark the highest risk with an extreme Index of 12, where even short exposure of 10 minutes can lead to sunburn. This trend slightly decreases in August (Index 10) and September (Index 9), before tapering off again in the fall. Residents and visitors should prioritize sun safety, especially during March to July, ensuring to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade to minimize UV exposure during these high-risk months.
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 |
| 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 |
| El Oued | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |