Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Gafsa, Tunisia is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as it provides vital information for sun safety and skin health. With the region's BWh climate, Gafsa experiences intense sunlight and elevated UV levels, especially during the midday hours. Awareness of these UV levels can help prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. During peak hours, like 12:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to 12, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Equip yourself with this knowledge to enjoy the beautiful Tunisian sun safely!
The UV Index data presents a clear peak in sun intensity during the midday hours. Starting from a low of 1 at 07:00, the values gradually increase, reaching a significant rise at 10:00 with a sharp climb to 8. The pinnacle occurs at 12:00, where the UV Index soars to a maximum of 12, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 10 by 14:00 and then gently tapering off to 4 by 16:00. By evening, the UV Index settles back down to 1 after 18:00, emphasizing the importance of sun safety during those peak hours between 11:00 and 14:00. Stay protected and enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, reflecting varying levels of sun exposure risk throughout the year. January and December see a moderate exposure category with an index of 4, necessitating a burn time of 30 minutes. However, as spring approaches, the UV radiation increases, reaching high levels of 6 in February and 7 in March, with burn times dropping to 25 minutes. The summer months (June to August) are particularly critical, displaying extreme UV levels peaking at 12, where a burn can occur in just 10 minutes. Even in September and October, the UV Index remains high at 8, demanding caution with a burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, especially during the high-risk months of April through August, when the sun's intensity is at its peak.
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 |
| Kairouan UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Gafsa | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 4 |