Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index in Nouadhibou, Mauritania is essential for protecting your skin and overall health from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding daily UV levels can help prevent sunburn and reduce the long-term risk of skin damage. With Nouadhibou’s BWh climate, characterized by sunny days and intense sunlight, the UV Index reaches its peak between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, often soaring to a maximum of 13. This means that even a short time outdoors during peak hours can lead to severe skin effects, making it crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Stay safe under the sun by knowing the UV Index!
The UV Index for the day tells a fascinating story of rising intensity under the sun. Early risers at 07:00 and 08:00 experienced a mild UV Index of 1, perfect for leisurely outdoor activities. As the day progressed, the index climbed steadily, reaching a moderate 3 by 09:00. By 11:00, it surged to 9, marking the start of peak sun exposure. The sun blazed at 12:00, reaching a high of 12, and continued to shine at 13:00 with an impressive 13. Throughout the afternoon, the intensity began to retreat, falling to 12 by 14:00 and gently tapering to 9 at 15:00. By evening, the sun’s grip loosened, with the index dropping to 3 at 17:00 and finally returning to a gentle 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. A day filled with sunshine serves as a reminder to stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from March to September. During these months, UV exposure is categorized as extreme, peaking at 13 in April and May, while February and August also reach extreme levels of 9 and 11, respectively. High-risk months include March, April, May, and June, where the burn time is just 10 minutes, indicating a critical need for sun protection. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during these periods by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV radiation is strongest. As the year progresses toward October and November, while the UV Index remains elevated at 10 and 8, respectively, the burn time increases to 15 minutes, still necessitating vigilance against overexposure to sunlight.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nouadhibou | 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 |
| 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 |