Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Salah, Algeria, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the region's hot desert climate. With peak UV levels reaching a staggering 11 during midday hours, awareness of these fluctuations can help safeguard against harmful effects of overexposure. As temperatures soar under the BWh climate, residents and visitors alike must recognize the risks of high UV exposure, ensuring they take preventive measures to enjoy the sun safely. Knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is essential for making the most of In Salah's beautiful, sun-drenched days while protecting one's health.
The UV Index of the day showcases a dynamic pattern as the sun rises higher in the sky. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it gradually climbs, reaching 4 by 09:00 and peaking dramatically at 11 between 13:00 and 14:00—a vivid reminder to protect your skin during these hours of intense sunlight. As the afternoon wanes, the index begins to decline, dropping to 7 by 15:00, then tapering off to 1 by 19:00. This fluctuation highlights the importance of staying vigilant about sun exposure, especially during the midday peak when the UV Index hits its highest and most critical levels.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest intensity occurring in the late spring and summer months. March marks the beginning of very high UV exposure, with an index of 10, followed by April and May at 11, classified as extreme, where the burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. June maintains this extreme category with a peak UV index of 12, while July and August remain at 11. The risk begins to diminish in September and October, where the UV index drops to 10 and 8, respectively, but still poses a very high risk of harm. Visitors and residents should exercise caution from March through October, especially during the extreme months of April to August. It is advisable to wear protective clothing, seek shade, and apply sunscreen regularly, even on cloudy days, to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| In Salah | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 6 |