Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in El Jem, Tunisia, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health under the intense sun. With peak UV levels reaching a high of 11 around noon, awareness of these fluctuations can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. El Jem's semi-arid climate means that UV exposure is a significant risk, especially during the hotter months. By tracking the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can make informed decisions to protect themselves under the brilliant Tunisian sun.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index transitions from a gentle 1 at 07:00 to a peak of 11 at noon, making it crucial for sun safety. The intensity is palpable as 10 at 11:00 gives way to a swift decline, dropping to 9 by 14:00. By the late afternoon, the sun's reach retracts to 4 at 16:00, eventually waning to 1 by 19:00. This dynamic progression urges outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions during the peak hours, especially between 10:00 and 13:00, when the index poses a strong risk for unprotected skin. Stay safe in the sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index fluctuates, indicating varying levels of solar radiation exposure. From January to March, UV levels gradually rise from moderate (4) to high (7), with burn times decreasing from 30 minutes to 25 minutes. The high-risk months commence in April, reaching a peak UV Index of 11 in June and July, categorized as extreme with a critical burn time of just 10 minutes. Following this peak, August sees a slight drop to a very high (10) index, while September and October remain relatively high but more manageable, with indices of 9 and 7 respectively. As the year winds down, the index further declines to moderate levels (5) in November and 3 in December. Visitors and residents are advised to be particularly cautious during April through September; during these months, protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential to avoid harmful effects from high UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bizerte UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Tunis UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Sousse UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Sfax UVI | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| El Jem | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Kairouan UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |