Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors in Gabes, Tunisia, where the sun shines brightly and the BWh climate creates ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Being aware of UV levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can soar to as high as 11. With morning levels starting at a moderate 3 and peaking in the afternoon, it's essential to take precautions against potential skin damage. Let's explore the UV Index in Gabes to safeguard your skin while enjoying the vibrant Tunisian sun!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a remarkable rise, peaking impressively at 11 between noon and 1 PM. Starting with a modest 1 at 7 AM, the index escalates to around 3 by 8 AM and rapidly climbs, hitting 5 by 9 AM. The ascent continues as the sun reaches its zenith, soaring to 8 at 10 AM and breaching the 10 mark by 11 AM. As we reach peak sun hours, it stabilizes at 11 for both 12 PM and 1 PM, before gradually descending to 9 at 2 PM and tapering off to 7 by 3 PM. The latter part of the afternoon sees a gentle decline to 4 at 4 PM, finally returning to the morning's low of 1 by 6 PM, and maintaining this relaxed level through 7 PM. It's a vivid reminder of the sun's strength, urging outdoor enthusiasts to stay sun-smart during the intense midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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 |