Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Chinguetti, Mauritania is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially in this sun-soaked region characterized by a BWh climate. With UV levels peaking at 14 around midday, local residents and visitors alike must be vigilant to avoid harmful effects from overexposure. As Chinguetti experiences typical desert conditions, even short periods in the sun can lead to significant risks. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring that your outdoor activities remain safe and enjoyable.
Starting from the early hours, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually rising through the morning. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a moderate level of 5, but the real intensity kicks in as the sun climbs higher. At 11:00 AM, the index peaks at an impressive 11, with an even sharper ascent to 13 at noon. The highest UV intensity occurs at 1:00 PM, clocking in at 14. After this peak, the index begins to decline, settling to 10 by 3:00 PM, and continues to decrease to 3 by 5:00 PM. As the evening progresses, the UV exposure drops significantly, returning to a low of 1 by 7:00 PM. It's essential to stay protected during those peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |