Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Tataouine, Tunisia is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With Tataouine’s dry desert climate (BWh), residents and visitors face elevated UV exposure, particularly during peak hours when the index soars to 12 around midday. Being aware of UV levels helps you take the necessary precautions, such as seeking shade and applying sunscreen, to protect yourself from harmful effects of sun exposure. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely in this beautiful region!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a modest 2 at 07:00. By 08:00, it reaches 3, signaling the start of a day filled with increasing sun intensity. The index climbs to 6 by 09:00, peaking dramatically at 12 during noon. Between 11:00 and 13:00, the UV Index hovers around a remarkable 11, emphasizing the need for protection against the sun’s rays. As the afternoon rolls on, values gradually decline, settling at 9 by 14:00 and then tapering off to 7 at 15:00. By late afternoon, the index drops to 4 at 16:00 and continues its descent to 1 by the evening, reminding us of the dynamic nature of sunlight throughout the day. Stay informed and protected during the 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | 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, 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 |