Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Benghazi, Libya, where the sun's rays can be intense, especially during the summer months. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for sunburn prevention but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With typical midday UV readings soaring to a staggering 11, the risk of skin damage increases significantly, making it vital to know when to seek shade or apply sunscreen. As a city nestled in a BSh climate, Benghazi's warm and sunny conditions present unique exposure challenges, underscoring the importance of being informed about daily UV fluctuations for safe outdoor enjoyment.
Throughout the day, the UV Index experiences a dramatic increase, peaking at 11 between noon and 1 PM, indicating a very high level of solar radiation. Early risers will notice a gentle start, with a UV Index of just 1 at 7 AM, gradually climbing to 4 by 9 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, values soar to 9 at 11 AM, signaling it's time to take precautions. After the peak, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 10 at 2 PM, then tapering off to 3 by 5 PM and resting back down to 1 by 6 PM. Staying protected in the midday sun is crucial for skin safety during these 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. From June to August, the UV Index reaches a maximum of 11, categorized as extreme, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. This indicates the need for increased vigilance during these months, as prolonged exposure can lead to severe sunburn and skin damage. The high-risk months are therefore considered to be March through September, particularly stark in April, May, July, and August, which consistently show very high to extreme exposure levels. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours from 10 AM to 4 PM. Conversely, during the winter months of January, November, and December, when the UV Index drops to moderate, the burn time increases to 30 minutes, allowing for more extended periods outdoors with reduced risk. Proper sun safety measures should be adjusted based on these seasonal UV changes to ensure well-being year-round.
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 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Tarhuna UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |