Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Hassi Messaoud, Algeria, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's arid climate characteristic of the BWh zone, residents and visitors often face higher exposure to ultraviolet rays, especially during peak hours. The UV Index climbs to a maximum of 12 at noon, indicating a severe risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being aware of these levels helps in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy the sunny outdoors while taking the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index climbs steadily, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it nudges up to 3, hinting at increased sun exposure. The intensity picks up rapidly, reaching 5 by 09:00, then surging to peak at 12 between 12:00 and 13:00—the perfect time to seek shade or slather on some sunscreen. After this zenith, the index begins its descent, drifting down to 10 at 14:00 and gradually tapering off to 7 by 15:00. As the sun lowers in the sky, the UV levels fall to 5 by 16:00, slipping further to a mild 3 at 17:00, and eventually settling back to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. It’s a rollercoaster of sun strength that highlights the importance of sun safety during those 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 index levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest risk occurring during the spring and summer months. Notably, March to August see particularly high values, peaking in June at an extreme UV Index of 12, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. The high-risk months where exposure is most dangerous are from March to August, categorized as either very high or extreme. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during these months, such as using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, to help mitigate the risk of skin damage. As the seasons transition to fall and winter, both the UV index and exposure risks decrease significantly, allowing for safer outdoor activities.
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 |
| Hassi Messaoud | 4 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 |