Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Port el Kantaoui, Tunisia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for your safety and skin health. With the region's Mediterranean climate, sun exposure can become significant, especially during the peak hours when UV levels soar to 11—a range that poses a serious risk for sunburn and long-term skin damage. Understanding these UV levels helps residents and visitors alike take proactive measures to protect themselves against harmful effects of the sun. From enjoying a day on the beach to exploring local attractions, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience under the Tunisian sun.
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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the summer months of June and July with an extreme exposure category of 11, where the burn time is as little as 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure extend from March to August, particularly in April and May when the index reaches 8 to 9, classified as very high with burn times dropping to 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should take precautions during this peak period, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade, particularly during midday hours when the sun is most intense. From September to February, UV exposure is comparatively lower, but it remains important to stay vigilant and informed, especially in the transition months of March and October where the index can still reach high levels.
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 |
| Port el Kantaoui | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 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 |