Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sfax, Tunisia, where intense sunlight is a hallmark of the BSh climate. With UV levels reaching a maximum of 10 around midday, awareness of these levels plays a significant role in sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can effectively safeguard your skin against harmful rays, especially during peak exposure times between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Embrace the sunshine wisely and enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle that Sfax has to offer while keeping your skin protected!
The UV Index for the day offers a dynamic range that peaks around midday. Starting at a mild level of 1 at 07:00, the intensity gradually escalates, reaching a notable 3 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index hits 5 at 09:00 and gets serious by 10:00 with a 7. The true zenith arrives at 12:00, where the UV Index soars to an impressive 10, signaling the highest sun exposure risk. The afternoon sees a gradual decline—dropping to 9 at 13:00 and then easing to 8 by 14:00. By late afternoon, the index falls to 5 at 15:00, continuing its descent to 3 at 16:00, 2 at 17:00, and finally tapering back to 1 as the evening sets in. Stay sun-smart during peak hours!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | 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 |