Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Ben Mehidi, Algeria, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a Mediterranean climate that typically features hot, sunny summers, the risk of high UV radiation is significant, especially during peak hours when the index can reach a maximum of 9. By being aware of daily UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful outdoors with confidence. Remember, whether you're exploring local landscapes or simply soaking up the sun, keeping an eye on the UV Index can make all the difference in maintaining your skin's health!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its steady ascent. At 7:00 AM, it starts at a modest 1, signaling a low risk for sun exposure. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 3, prompting early risers to take some precautions. However, from 9:00 AM onward, the intensity increases significantly, peaking at 12:00 PM with a striking 9—a reminder that peak hours warrant serious sunscreen application and protective measures. The index hovers at 9 until 1:00 PM, before gradually tapering off, falling to 6 by 3:00 PM and concluding the day at 1 by 7:00 PM. This hourly UVI data beautifully illustrates the sun's powerful midday effect, underscoring the importance of vigilance when enjoying the outdoors during peak sun hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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 |