Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Metlaoui, Tunisia, a region known for its arid BWh climate and abundant sunshine. Understanding UV levels is essential for protecting your skin from harmful effects such as sunburn and long-term health issues. With peak UV Index readings soaring to a notable 12 around midday, it's vital to stay informed about exposure risks throughout the day. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful weather while taking the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin!
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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variations, reaching its peak in the summer months. Notably, June, July, and August record the highest UV Index levels, peaking at 12, which falls under the extreme exposure category, necessitating a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for sun exposure include April through August, where the UV Index escalates into the very high and extreme categories, making it crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. In contrast, January, February, November, and December show moderate levels with significantly longer burn times of 30 minutes. To ensure safety and prevent sunburn, it is important to remain vigilant and adjust sun protection strategies according to the UV Index throughout the seasons.
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 |
| Metlaoui | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |