Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of El Oued, Algeria, where the climate is characterized by a hot desert environment (BWh). With such intense sunlight, awareness of UV levels plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. As midday approaches, UV levels can peak at a staggering 12, indicating potentially harmful exposure; thus, knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen is essential for enjoying the region's sunny days without compromising your well-being. With the right information, you can embrace El Oued's bright climate while safeguarding your skin against the risks of UV radiation.
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the day, peaking from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM with a striking 12. Early morning starts off mild, reaching a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM before climbing through the hours. At 9:00 AM, it hits 5, and by 10:00 AM, it intensifies to 8. The sun's intensity continues to rise, attaining its highest points at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, with the index hitting 10 and 12, respectively. As the afternoon progresses, a gradual decline begins; by 3:00 PM, it dips to 8, then further to 5 at 4:00 PM. The UV Index settles back down to 3 by 5:00 PM and returns to 1 as evening approaches, illustrating the importance of sun protection, particularly during the peak hours of midday.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | 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 | 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 |