Last updated: June 2, 2025
In El Hamma, Tunisia, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, especially in a region known for its hot desert climate with high UV radiation exposure. During the peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to as high as 11, signaling extreme risk. It's crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful Tunisian sun while keeping your skin safe.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a notable peak between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where it reaches a striking 11, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity starts at a lower 2 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 3 by 8:00 AM before skyrocketing to 10 by 11:00 AM. As the midday sun intensifies, it maintains a level of 11 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, prompting a reminder to seek shade and wear protective gear. The afternoon sees a decline, dipping to 9 at 2:00 PM and gradually tapering off to 4 by 4:00 PM, then further down to 2 at 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the levels drop to a gentle 1 by 6:00 PM, highlighting the importance of being sun-aware, especially during those peak hours.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
The seasonal UV changes indicate a significant increase in ultraviolet radiation from late winter through summer, peaking during the months of June, July, and August with an extreme UV Index of 11 and a burn time of only 10 minutes. This places these months as high-risk periods for sun exposure, necessitating extra precautions. April and May also present considerable risks, featuring very high indices of 9 and 10, respectively. As a recommendation, both visitors and residents should ensure they are properly protected, especially during these months, by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. In contrast, the fall and winter months—specifically November and December—see a return to moderate UV levels, allowing for more forgiving sun exposure.
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 |
| El Hamma | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |