Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sfax, Tunisia is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region’s BSh climate, which brings long days of strong sunlight, UV levels can soar during peak hours—reaching a maximum of 11 around noon. By being aware of the UV Index, you can better manage your sun exposure, effectively preventing sunburn and minimizing your risk of skin damage. Whether you’re enjoying the outdoors or simply going about your daily routine, knowing when and how to protect yourself from harmful UV rays is essential for maintaining healthy skin in this sun-drenched city.
The UV Index today follows a dynamic trajectory, peaking dramatically as the sun climbs. Starting at a modest 1 at 07:00, it rises to 3 by 08:00 and then continues its ascent, reaching 5 by 09:00. The intensity escalates further, peaking at an impressive 11 at 12:00—a time when sun protection is crucial. As the afternoon wears on, the index moderately descends, dropping to 10 by 13:00 and gradually decreasing to 6 at 15:00. By 16:00, it falls to 4, before tapering off to 1 by 18:00 and remaining constant until 19:00. This hourly breakdown highlights the importance of being sun-smart during peak hours, especially when the index is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, peaking during the summer months. High-risk months for UV exposure are from April to August, when the Index reaches levels classified as very high to extreme, with June and July having the highest UV Index of 11 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take particular care during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to avoid skin damage. As the year progresses, UV levels gradually decrease, with November and December seeing lower risk levels classified as moderate. It is essential to remain vigilant and adjust UV protection measures accordingly throughout the year, particularly during the peak summer months.
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 | 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 |