Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Tripoli, Libya, where the sun’s rays can be intense, especially during the summer months. High UV levels can lead to painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, making it essential to monitor daily UV readings for effective skin health protection. Tripoli, characterized by its semi-arid climate, sees a significant rise in UV exposure during midday hours, peaking at a concerning 10 around 1 PM. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the sunny Mediterranean climate safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb steadily, peaking sharply at 1 around 07:00 and gradually reaching a mild 2 by 08:00. The intensity heightens as the day progresses, hitting 3 at 09:00 and 5 by 10:00. The standout moment arrives at 13:00, when the UV Index soars to its maximum at 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Following this peak, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to 9 at 14:00, then gradually declining to 7 by 15:00. The afternoon brings a gentle retreat, with readings falling to 5 at 16:00, and finally settling back to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. Overall, it's a day of fluctuating UV intensity, emphasizing the importance of sun protection during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, with the highest risk months occurring between April and August. During this period, UV Index values reach very high to extreme levels, peaking at 11 in both June and July, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, January, November, and December exhibit moderate UV levels, with a burn time of 30 minutes. As such, it is crucial for visitors and residents to protect themselves with appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and shade—especially from April to August—to minimize the risk of UV-related harm. Always stay informed of daily UV forecasts and take precautions accordingly.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tripoli | 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 |