Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Ouargla, Algeria, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a climate categorized as BWh, temperatures soar, and UV exposure can quickly reach dangerous levels, especially around midday when the index peaks at 11. Being aware of the UV Index helps residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions during high exposure times, effectively reducing the risk of skin damage. Stay informed and proactive about the UV levels to enjoy the sunny beauty of Ouargla while keeping your skin safe!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting modestly at 1 by 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, the intensity ramps up to 5, signaling a gentle warning for sun-sensitive activities. The peak arrives between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where the UV Index reaches a robust 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this zenith, the numbers gradually decline, dropping to 7 by 3:00 PM, and later sinking back to a lowly 1 by 6:00 PM. This hourly dance of UV radiation reminds us to stay vigilant during the brightest hours of the day, ensuring we protect our skin while enjoying the sunshine.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, significantly impacting sun exposure and potential skin damage. From January to March, the UV Index gradually increases from 4 (moderate) to 9 (very high), indicating that February marks the beginning of high-risk exposure with a burn time of 25 minutes. The months of March to July present the highest risk, with the index peaking at 11 (extreme) in June and July, where burn time drops to just 10 minutes. August through October sees a slight decrease, with the UV Index remaining high at 10 and 9, respectively, while November returns to a moderate level of 6. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during these high-risk months, particularly from March to July, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen to mitigate the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can still cause harm, so vigilance is key throughout the year.
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 |
| Ouargla | 4 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 |