Last updated: May 3, 2025
In El Haouaria, Tunisia, being aware of the UV Index is vital for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is crucial not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health, especially in a region where the sun shines brightly and the UV risk peaks. With a typical Mediterranean climate categorized as Csa, El Haouaria experiences elevated UV levels, particularly from 10 AM to 2 PM, when the index can soar to a high of 9. Staying informed about these UV fluctuations allows residents and visitors alike to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing their risk of skin damage.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic shift in sun exposure, peaking at 12:00 PM with a significant score of 9, denoting very high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. Early morning starts off modestly at 2 by 7:00 AM, gradually rising to 3 at 8:00 AM and then surging to 5 by 9:00 AM. As the sun climbs, its intensity becomes unmistakable, hitting 7 at 10:00 AM and reaching its apex with an impressive 8 at 11:00 AM. Post-noon, the UV Index sees a slight decline, dipping to 7 at 2:00 PM and easing down to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, it continues to fall, landing at 2 by 5:00 PM, and eventually settling at a minimal 1 by 6:00 PM. To sum up, the day presents an important reminder to protect oneself from the sun during its peak hours.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from April to September. During this period, the UV Index reaches very high levels, peaking in June at an extreme Index of 11, where the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious from March to September, when the index consistently exceeds 6, indicating a high to extreme risk of skin damage. To protect against harmful UV rays, it's advisable to wear sunscreen with a high SPF, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours, especially from late spring through summer. As the UV Index decreases in fall and winter, with moderate levels in January and December, vigilance remains important, albeit with longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes.
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 |
| El Haouaria | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 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 |