Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the heart of the Sahara, Chinguetti, Mauritania experiences a unique blend of sun and sand, making UV Index awareness crucial for residents and visitors alike. Understanding the UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health, especially as midday readings can soar to a staggering 12. With its BWh climate, Chinguetti boasts long, sun-drenched days where exposure risks escalate, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Equip yourself with knowledge about UV exposure to enjoy the beauty of this historic city while keeping your skin safe!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic rise in intensity as the sun approaches its zenith. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it creeps up to 2 by 08:00, gradually ramping up to a moderate 3 at 09:00. The intensity reaches a notable 6 by 10:00, escalating sharply to 9 at 11:00. By 12:00, the UV Index peaks at an exhilarating 11, marking the highest risk period for skin exposure. The afternoon sun maintains a high level of intensity, with 12 at 13:00 and slightly decreasing to 11 by 14:00. As the day progresses, a decline is evident, with the index dropping to 8 at 15:00 and down to 5 by 16:00. The UV exposure diminishes significantly toward the evening, settling at 3 at 17:00 and tapering off to a low 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. This data reveals a clear pattern of increasing risk during midday hours, underscoring the importance of sun protection during peak UV times.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 experiences notable fluctuations, peaking during the spring and summer months. March and April are particularly concerning, with an extreme UV Index of 12 and 14, respectively, where burn time shortens to just 10 minutes. Following this trend, May and June maintain similar extremes. July slightly decreases, yet remains high at 11, while August and September mirror the earlier months with an index of 13. As temperatures cool, both November and December reflect a significant drop, returning to a very high index of 9 and 8, allowing for a longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions from March to September, while still remaining vigilant during the winter months, especially in sunny conditions, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nouadhibou UVI | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Nouakchott UVI | 8 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| Kaedi UVI | 9 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 8 |
| Chinguetti | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| Nema UVI | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
| Rosso UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |