Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Setif, Algeria, where the sun shines brightly, especially in the summer months. As you bask in the Mediterranean climate, which brings warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, it’s crucial to keep an eye on UV levels to protect your skin from harmful rays. High UV exposure can lead not only to painful sunburns but also to long-term skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. With midday UV Index readings soaring as high as 10, knowing how to safeguard your skin during peak sun hours is vital for maintaining optimal skin health throughout the year.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting the day at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it nudges up to 2, still a manageable level. However, as the clock strikes 09:00, the intensity increases markedly, reaching 4. The UV Index peaks at 10 between 12:00 and 13:00, highlighting the need for sun safety measures like sunscreen and shade during these hours. Following this zenith, it gradually tapers off, dipping to 8 at 14:00 and finally settling back down to 1 by 19:00. Overall, it’s a day where awareness of UV exposure is crucial, particularly during midday hours when the sun is at its strongest.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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 |
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 |