Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Ben Mehidi, Algeria, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels not only informs residents and visitors about the potential risks associated with sun exposure but also empowers them to take proactive measures for protection. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers, the UV Index in Ben Mehidi can reach dangerous levels, peaking at 10 during midday hours. This makes it essential for everyone to stay informed and adopt appropriate sun safety practices to enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle this beautiful region has to offer.
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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest readings occurring from April to September. During this period, particularly in June when the Index reaches a staggering 11 indicating an extreme risk, residents and visitors should exercise caution. The high-risk months for UV exposure are April to August, where the Index frequently registers as very high (8-9) to extreme (11). With burn times decreasing as the Index rises—down to just 10 minutes in June—it's crucial for everyone to take protective measures. This includes wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM) to minimize the risk of skin damage. In contrast, months like January, November, and December present moderate UV exposure, allowing for longer safe sun exposure times of up to 30 minutes.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Mehidi | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |