Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Nouakchott, Mauritania, where the climate can lead to significant sun exposure. With UV levels sporadically reaching dangerous highs—peaking at a striking 13 around midday—awareness is key to preventing sunburn and preserving skin health. Given the city's BWh climate, characterized by intense sunlight, recognizing the varying UV risks throughout the day can help you take necessary precautions and enjoy the outdoors safely. Stay informed and protect your skin to enjoy all that the vibrant city of Nouakchott has to offer!
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 |
| Nouakchott | 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 |