Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Gabes, Tunisia, where the sun's intensity can pose significant health risks. With temperatures climbing in this desert climate, awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. On sunny days, the UV Index can reach a high of 11 during midday, signaling the need for protective measures. By familiarizing yourself with the local UV conditions, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin's health against the harmful effects of the sun.
Throughout the day, the UV Index experiences a dramatic peak, beginning at a gentle 2 at 7:00 AM and swiftly rising to a moderate 5 by 9:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index surges to its maximum of 11 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this peak, it begins to decline, dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM and then steadily decreasing to 2 by 5:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index falls to a soft 1 by 6:00 PM, offering a reprieve for evening activities. It's a clear reminder to protect your skin, especially during those high noon 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels show significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. January and February experience moderate exposure with indices of 4 and 5, allowing for a burn time of up to 30 minutes. As we transition into March, the index rises to 7, marking the start of the high-risk period with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The real danger begins in April and persists through August, with UV indices reaching an extreme level of 11, necessitating careful protection as the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. In September and October, the risk decreases somewhat, with indices at 8 and 7 respectively, allowing for 15 to 25 minutes of safe exposure. Finally, November and December revert back to moderate levels, similar to the start of the year. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during the high-risk months of April to August, including wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen, to reduce the risk of UV-related health issues.
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 |
| Gabes | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |