Last updated: May 3, 2025
In sunny El Kef, Tunisia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With intense midday sun exposure, a clear comprehension of UV levels can help you prevent painful sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. El Kef's Mediterranean climate typically brings hot, dry summers, pushing UV indices to high levels, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM when they peak at a striking 10. Stay informed and take precautions to enjoy the sun safely while keeping your skin health in check!
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs, reaching a more noticeable 3 by 8:00 AM. The real surge occurs between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it peaks at 10—a crucial time for sun protection. After that, it begins to gently decline, with 9 at 1:00 PM, 8 at 2:00 PM, and dropping further to 6 by 3:00 PM. As the sun starts its descent, the index sees a steady fall, ending at a comfortable 1 by 6:00 PM, making the later hours much safer for outdoor activities. Pay attention to the height of UV levels around midday for optimal sun safety!
| 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 | 9 | 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 experiences notable variations, with the highest risk months occurring from April to August. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 11 in June and July, categorizing these months as having extreme exposure levels with a burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, the lowest risk months are January and December, where the UV Index remains at 3, indicating a moderate risk with a burn time of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during peak months by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to minimize the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
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 |
| El Kef | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 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 |