Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria, where sunny days are a hallmark of the region's semi-arid climate (BSk). Understanding UV levels is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health, especially as midday sun exposure can reach dangerously high levels of 10 between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny outdoors of Sidi Bel Abbes while protecting yourself from harmful effects, ensuring your skin stays safe and healthy under the bright Algerian sun.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 by 07:00, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00 as the sun rises. The warmth intensifies, reaching 4 at 09:00 and peaking at a significant 10 between noon and 14:00, signaling the need for sun protection. As the afternoon rolls in, the index begins to dip, settling at 8 by 15:00 before tapering off further to 5 at 16:00. By the evening, the UV levels gracefully descend back to 2 at 18:00 and return to a safe 1 by 19:00, marking a day's journey through varying sun exposure. Be mindful of the midday sun, and stay protected during those 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, UV levels are moderate, with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring arrives in March, the UV Index elevates to 8 (very high), reducing burn time to 15 minutes, and it continues to climb, reaching a peak of 12 in June (extreme), where the burn time shortens to just 10 minutes. The danger remains high in July and August, with UV levels at 11 and 10, respectively. September sees a slight drop, but still advises caution with a UV Index of 8. As fall approaches in October, levels decrease to 7 (high), permitting a burn time of 25 minutes, before returning to moderate levels in the winter months of November and December. Residents and visitors should remain vigilant from March through August, as these are the high-risk months for UV exposure, and it is recommended to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Sidi Bel Abbes | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Tebessa UVI | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |