Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in El Alia, Tunisia, where the sun shines intensely throughout the year. Being aware of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, especially during peak hours when the UV index reaches its highest point at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a staggering level of 10. With El Alia's Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, the risks of UV exposure can be significant, making it vital to stay informed and take necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful sunshine safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to escalate, peaking dramatically around midday. At 07:00, it's a modest 1, but by 08:00, it climbs to 3, signaling the start of a brighter day. The sun's intensity continues to rise swiftly, hitting 5 by 09:00 and reaching a scorching 10 between 12:00 and 13:00—a crucial time for sun safety awareness. As the afternoon wears on, the index begins to dip, dropping to 9 at 14:00 and gradually falling to 6, 4, and eventually down to 2 by 17:00, before settling back to 1 as the sun sets at 19:00. It's a day that showcases the importance of protecting your skin during peak hours!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 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 shows significant seasonal changes, reaching its peak during the summer months. From January to February, UV levels are moderate, with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring approaches, March sees an increase to a high index of 6, decreasing burn time to 25 minutes. April to August are considered high-risk, featuring very high UV levels of 8 to 10 and a burn time of just 15 minutes, making sun protection essential during these months. In September, the UV Index drops slightly to 8, while in October, it remains high at 7 with a burn time of 25 minutes. The UV levels then decline again in late fall and winter, returning to moderate levels of 3 to 4 by November and December. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during April to August, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of UV exposure and skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Alia | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |
| Kairouan UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |