Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Bizerte, Tunisia, as it serves as a daily guide to solar radiation levels that can impact skin health. With UV rays peaking at an intense 10 during midday, awareness of these levels is vital for sunburn prevention and reducing long-term skin damage. Bizerte's Mediterranean climate offers beautiful sunshine but also heightens exposure risks, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, when UV levels soar. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing the risk of harmful effects from the sun’s rays.
The UV Index exhibits a dynamic trend throughout the day, peaking at 12 PM with an impressive rating of 10, indicating an intense risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The morning hours start off moderately, with a maximum of 2 at 7 AM and climbing steadily to a 3 by 8 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index reaches 9 by 11 AM, and holds steady at 10 from 12 PM to 1 PM. After that, a gentle decline begins, dropping to 6 at 3 PM, then tapering off to 4 by 4 PM and further down to 2 by the close of the day at 5 PM. By 7 PM, the risk diminishes significantly to just 1, marking a safe time for evening activities. Remember to take protective measures during peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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 undergoes significant seasonal changes, influencing sun exposure risks for visitors and residents. The high-risk months are primarily from March to September, where the UV Index peaks at 10 in June and July, indicating a very high exposure category and a burn time of just 15 minutes. Notably, April through August are critical periods for sun safety, as protective measures should be prioritized due to heightened UV levels. Conversely, during the cooler months of January, February, November, and December, the UV Index remains relatively lower, categorized as moderate, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes. It is advisable for everyone to stay informed about the daily UV index, wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen, and seek shade, especially during the high-risk months, to mitigate harmful effects of UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bizerte | 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 |
| Kairouan UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |