Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Ouargla, Algeria, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially in a region characterized by its arid BWh climate. With UV levels often peaking at 10 during the midday hours, residents and visitors alike should be mindful of their sun exposure. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin and enjoy the abundant sunshine without compromising your health. Awareness of these levels is essential in a place where the sun's intensity can pose significant risks, making it all the more important to prioritize sun safety.
The UV Index throughout the day showcased a dynamic shift, peaking remarkably at 10 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, indicating an intense level of sun exposure. Starting the day gently, with a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, the UV levels gradually rose, creeping toward 9 by 11:00 AM, before hitting a sky-high 10 at midday. This high UV reading persisted for an hour, encouraging sun safety measures such as seeking shade or applying sunscreen. As the afternoon wore on, the index dipped to 7 at 3:00 PM, eventually declining through the evening, settling back down to 1 by 7:00 PM. Overall, it's a vivid reminder of how the sun's intensity can vary dramatically, urging outdoor enthusiasts to stay vigilant during peak hours.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
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 |