Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Takelsa, Tunisia, where abundant sunshine can quickly lead to harmful exposure. The UV Index provides a daily forecast of the strength of UV radiation, helping individuals make informed decisions about outdoor activities to prevent sunburn and protect long-term skin health. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers, Takelsa often experiences peak UV levels around midday, soaring to 9—a high risk for skin damage. By staying aware of the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while taking necessary precautions to safeguard your skin.
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 |
| Tunis UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Takelsa | 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 |