Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Setif, Algeria, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for enjoying the sun safely. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, allowing residents and visitors alike to cherish the region’s beautiful climate. Setif, with its Mediterranean climate, typically experiences elevated UV exposure, especially during midday hours when the index soars to dangerous levels, peaking at 11 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Being aware of these fluctuations empowers individuals to take necessary precautions, protecting themselves while enjoying the sunny days that Setif has to offer.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, but it quickly escalates as the day progresses. By 10:00 AM, the index reaches 7, signaling a significant increase in UV radiation. The peak occurs at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, when it hits a striking 11, indicating very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually declines, settling at 8 by 3:00 PM, then tapering off to 1 again by 7:00 PM. It's clear that midday is the time for caution—make sure to protect your skin during those 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 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variation, with the highest risks typically occurring from March to August. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 11, indicating an extreme exposure category in June and July, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. Conversely, the months of January, November, and December present a lower risk with a moderate UV Index of 3 to 5, allowing for burn times up to 30 minutes. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to monitor the UV Index regularly, especially during the high-risk months, and to take appropriate sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to prevent 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 |
| Setif | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Tebessa UVI | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |