Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Hammamet, Tunisia, where the radiant sun can pose significant risks. With UV levels peaking at 11 around noon, awareness of these readings is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting long-term skin health. Hammamet's Mediterranean climate brings beautiful, sunny days, but it also increases exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays, particularly during the summer months. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the stunning beaches and vibrant outdoor activities while safeguarding your skin from potential damage.
At dawn's early light, the UV Index starts at a mild 2 by 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rises, the intensity peaks sharply in the late morning, reaching a striking 11 at 12:00 PM, making it the most potent hour of the day. Following this zenith, the index gently declines, tapering off to 10 at 1:00 PM, then dropping to 9 by 2:00 PM. The afternoon continues this downward trend with values of 7 at 3:00 PM, 4 at 4:00 PM, and finally settling to a comfortable 2 by 5:00 PM. As twilight approaches, the UV Index decreases to a safe 1 by 6:00 PM, lingering at this low level until 7:00 PM. Remember, while midday sun can be fierce, the early and late hours present a much gentler UV experience!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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, 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 |
| Tunis UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Hammamet | 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 |