Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Metlaoui, Tunisia is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. With Metlaoui's arid BWh climate, sunburn and skin damage can occur more easily, particularly during peak hours when UV levels soar. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can effectively plan outdoor activities to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin health issues. Throughout the day, especially between 11 AM and 1 PM, when UV levels reach their highest—peaking at a significant 12—awareness of these fluctuating levels is vital for enjoying the beautiful Tunisian sun safely.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a notable peak of intensity around midday. Starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00, the index rises gradually to reach 3 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, things heat up quickly, with values soaring to 5 at 09:00 and then sharply escalating to a maximum of 12 by 12:00. This potent level of UV exposure is sustained until 13:00, when it slightly dips to 11. The afternoon brings a gradual decline, with readings of 10 at 14:00, 7 at 15:00, and slipping further to 5 at 16:00. As the sun begins to set, the UV Index dwindles back down to 2 at 17:00 and settles at a safer 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. It's a clear reminder to protect your skin during those 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 | 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 | 5 | 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 |