Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Tataouine, Tunisia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health, especially in this hot desert climate known for its intense sunshine and prolonged exposure to UV rays. Understanding UV levels is essential, as they provide vital information for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. With peak UV Index readings soaring to 10 around midday, residents and visitors should stay informed to minimize risks, particularly from April to September when UV exposure can be most hazardous. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Tataouine while safeguarding your skin from the sun’s harmful effects.
As the day begins at 07:00 with a low UV Index of 1, the sun gradually gains strength. By 08:00, it rises to 3, prompting a hint of caution for early risers. 09:00 brings a noticeable jump to 5, while 10:00 reaches a robust 8. The sun peaks at 11:00 and 12:00, maintaining a high UV Index of 10, indicating that sun protection is essential during these hours. Even the early afternoon sees this intensity sustain at 10 until 13:00. As the day progresses, the UV Index slips to 8 by 14:00 and continues to decline to 6 at 15:00. In the late afternoon and evening, the UV levels gently taper off, dropping to 4 at 16:00, and finally resting at 2 by 17:00, before settling back to a safe 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. Be mindful to shield yourself during the peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | 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, seasonal UV changes reveal significant fluctuations in the UV Index, with the highest risk months occurring from March to August. In particular, May and June register extreme UV levels, where the Index peaks at 10 and 12, respectively, leading to very short burn times of just 10 minutes. As summer approaches, the UV Index can remain dangerously high, but it begins to taper off in September and October, transitioning back to a moderate level by late autumn. For residents and visitors, it is crucial to take protective measures during the high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly from March to August when the risk of skin damage is significantly elevated.
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 |
| Kairouan UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Tataouine | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |