Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Msaken, Tunisia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the region’s typical BSh climate which can lead to significant UV exposure. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 during midday, residents and visitors alike need to be aware of the sun’s intensity and take necessary precautions. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can protect your skin and enjoy the beautiful Tunisian sun safely. Embrace the warmth, but always remember to shield yourself from those harmful rays!
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, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, with peaks during the summer months. The high-risk months for UV exposure are April through September, where the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels. In April, the index jumps to 8 (very high), escalating to an extreme 11 in both June and July. By August, it remains high at 10, decreasing slightly to 9 in September. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during these months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours, to minimize the risk of UV-related harm. During the winter months (January, February, November, and December), the UV levels are lower, categorized as moderate, allowing for more comfortable outdoor activities while still maintaining some sun safety awareness.
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 |
| Msaken | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Kairouan UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |