Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Tobruk, Libya, as it provides essential information about the intensity of sun exposure throughout the day. With the region's hot BWh climate, the UV levels can peak dramatically, particularly during midday when they soar to 11, highlighting the need for sunburn prevention measures to safeguard skin health. By being aware of the UV Index, individuals can take proactive steps to protect themselves from harmful effects, ensuring enjoyable and safe outdoor experiences in this vibrant coastal city.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a remarkable rise, peaking impressively at 11 between noon and 1 PM. Starting with a modest 1 at 7 AM, the index escalates to around 3 by 8 AM and rapidly climbs, hitting 5 by 9 AM. The ascent continues as the sun reaches its zenith, soaring to 8 at 10 AM and breaching the 10 mark by 11 AM. As we reach peak sun hours, it stabilizes at 11 for both 12 PM and 1 PM, before gradually descending to 9 at 2 PM and tapering off to 7 by 3 PM. The latter part of the afternoon sees a gentle decline to 4 at 4 PM, finally returning to the morning's low of 1 by 6 PM, and maintaining this relaxed level through 7 PM. It's a vivid reminder of the sun's strength, urging outdoor enthusiasts to stay sun-smart during the intense midday 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
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 |