Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Guelma, Algeria is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the region's Mediterranean climate characterized by hot summers. With UV levels peaking at 11 around midday, it’s essential for residents and visitors alike to be aware of their sun exposure. By monitoring the UV Index, individuals can take necessary precautions to protect their skin from harmful rays, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience. Guelma's beautiful sunshine can be inviting, but awareness of these UV levels can make all the difference in safeguarding your health.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins to rise slowly, peaking at 1 by 07:00 before climbing steadily throughout the morning. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 5, but the real intensity kicks in as the sun approaches its zenith. 10:00 marks a significant jump to 8, followed closely by an impressive peak of 11 at 12:00 and 13:00, indicating a high risk for unprotected skin. As the afternoon progresses, the index drops to 9 by 14:00, then gradually declines to 7 at 15:00, before tapering back to a safer 5 by 16:00. As the day winds down, the UV levels return to 2 at 17:00 and finally settle at 1 by 19:00, reminding us that while midday sun offers the most intense rays, protective measures are vital throughout the day.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | 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 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 |
| Guelma | 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 |