Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Rhar el Melah, Tunisia is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With a climate characterized by hot, dry summers, residents and visitors alike should be vigilant about UV levels to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. During peak hours, particularly around 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to 10, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being aware of this information equips you to make informed decisions about sun safety and enjoy the beautiful Tunisian outdoors without compromising your skin health.
As the day begins, the UV Index starts gently at 2 at 7:00 AM, increasing steadily through the morning. By 10:00 AM, it peaks at a robust 8, marking the arrival of prime sun exposure. The intensity reaches its zenith from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, where it holds steady at a high 10, urging outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions against harmful rays. After this midday height, the UV Index begins its descent, tapering to 8 by 2:00 PM, then gradually dwindling to 4 by 4:00 PM. As the evening approaches, values drop further to 2 and finally to 1 by 6:00 PM, signaling a safe retreat from the sun's influence. Staying aware of these fluctuations can help protect against overexposure while enjoying the outdoors!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhar el Melah | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 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 |