Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ghadamis, Libya is crucial for safeguarding your health and well-being under the desert sun. With its BWh climate, Ghadamis experiences intense solar radiation, especially during peak hours when UV levels can soar to a hazardous 12. Awareness of these levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health. By familiarizing yourself with the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself against the harmful effects of UV exposure and enjoy the beauty of this stunning location safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, peaking at 12 around noon for maximum exposure. Starting from a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, it quickly escalates, hitting 3 by 8:00 AM and reaching a notable 5 by 9:00 AM. The intensity peaks at 11 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, making it crucial to take protective measures during this time. Afterward, the index gradually descends, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM, then steadily falling to 2 by 5:00 PM and returning to 1 by 7:00 PM. This hourly data highlights the importance of being sun-smart, particularly in the late morning and early afternoon when UV radiation 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 experiences notable seasonal variations, with high-risk months typically from March to September. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 12, indicating an extreme exposure category, which coincides with the summer months of June, July, and August. The highest risk is seen in May through September, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. Conversely, the months of January, February, and December have a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for 30-minute exposure without burns. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday when the sun's rays are the strongest. Stay safe and enjoy the sun wisely!
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 |
| Tarhuna UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Ghadamis | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |