Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Matmata, Tunisia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting yourself against harmful solar radiation. Understanding UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. Given Matmata's semi-arid climate, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense, it's important to stay informed about daily UV exposure risks, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to levels as high as 11 between noon and 1 PM. Stay vigilant, and enjoy the beautiful Tunisian sunlight safely!
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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. From June to August, the UV Index reaches a maximum of 11, categorized as extreme, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. This indicates the need for increased vigilance during these months, as prolonged exposure can lead to severe sunburn and skin damage. The high-risk months are therefore considered to be March through September, particularly stark in April, May, July, and August, which consistently show very high to extreme exposure levels. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours from 10 AM to 4 PM. Conversely, during the winter months of January, November, and December, when the UV Index drops to moderate, the burn time increases to 30 minutes, allowing for more extended periods outdoors with reduced risk. Proper sun safety measures should be adjusted based on these seasonal UV changes to ensure well-being year-round.
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 |
| Matmata | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |