Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Sfax, Tunisia, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin from harmful solar radiation. As a city characterized by a BSh climate, Sfax experiences intense sunlight, particularly during the peak hours of 11 AM to 1 PM, when UV levels can soar to a striking 11. Being aware of these UV levels helps you take necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and promote long-term skin health. With UV indexes reaching their maximum intensity as early as 10 AM, it's crucial to stay informed and shield yourself effectively from the sun’s powerful rays.
The UV Index today showcases a dynamic rise and fall throughout the hours, peaking at 11 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Starting from a gentle 2 at 7:00 AM, it climbs steadily, reaching 10 by 11:00 AM. As the sun approaches its zenith, the index hits its maximum of 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this peak, the index begins its descent, tapering down to 6 at 3:00 PM before declining further to 2 by 5:00 PM. As evening sets in, it settles at a mild 1 from 6:00 PM onward, reminding us to take precautions when basking in the midday sun but allowing for safer outdoor activities as daylight fades.
| 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 | 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 |