Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Arafat, Mauritania, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding the UV levels throughout the day helps prevent sunburn and promotes long-term skin health, especially in a climate characterized by hot, dry conditions (BWh) where UV radiation can peak significantly. With midday UV Index values soaring to 12 and 13, awareness of these levels becomes essential for both residents and visitors to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, peaking from March through October, with September recording the highest value at 14 (extreme exposure) and only dropping to a very high level in November and December. The highest risk months for UV exposure are from March to October, where the UV Index consistently shows extreme levels (mostly at 12 or 13), requiring caution with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors should take essential precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. In January and February, while still very high, the burn time increases to 15 minutes, allowing for slightly more exposure, yet it remains critical to remain vigilant.
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 |
Arafat | 8 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
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 |