Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Tobruk, Libya, where the sun shines intensely in a BWh climate. With UV levels frequently reaching dangerous heights—peaking at 11 around midday—awareness can be the key to preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health. By monitoring the UV Index, you can better plan outdoor activities and take necessary precautions, ensuring that your time in Tobruk is not only enjoyable but also safe. Embrace the beauty of the sun, but remember to respect its power!
The UV Index today follows a dynamic trajectory, peaking dramatically as the sun climbs. Starting at a modest 1 at 07:00, it rises to 3 by 08:00 and then continues its ascent, reaching 5 by 09:00. The intensity escalates further, peaking at an impressive 11 at 12:00—a time when sun protection is crucial. As the afternoon wears on, the index moderately descends, dropping to 10 by 13:00 and gradually decreasing to 6 at 15:00. By 16:00, it falls to 4, before tapering off to 1 by 18:00 and remaining constant until 19:00. This hourly breakdown highlights the importance of being sun-smart during peak hours, especially when the index is at its highest!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal variations that signal increasing risks during certain months. January and December feature a moderate exposure level (UV Index 4), with a burn time of 30 minutes, making them safer for sun exposure. However, as we transition into February, the UV exposure rises to high (UV Index 6, burn time 25 minutes) and continues to escalate through March and April (UV Index 8 and 9, respectively), reaching very high levels. The peak of UV exposure occurs from May to August, where the index hits an extreme level of 11, necessitating serious precautions such as using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure to a mere 10 minutes. As summer concludes, the risk remains high in September (UV Index 10, burn time 15 minutes) before tapering down in October and November. Visitors and residents should be especially vigilant during May to August and consider checking daily UV forecasts to minimize sunburn risk and protect their skin health.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tripoli UVI | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Al Khums UVI | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Misratah UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Benghazi UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Tobruk | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Tarhuna UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |