Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Zaghouan, Tunisia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels empowers residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions, particularly during peak hours when the index soars. With Zaghouan's Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, sunny summers, the risks associated with UV exposure are significant—especially from late morning to early afternoon when values can reach as high as 11. Whether you’re lounging outdoors or engaging in activities, staying informed about the UV Index can help safeguard your skin and enhance your enjoyment of this beautiful region.
At dawn's early light, the UV Index starts at a mild 2 by 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rises, the intensity peaks sharply in the late morning, reaching a striking 11 at 12:00 PM, making it the most potent hour of the day. Following this zenith, the index gently declines, tapering off to 10 at 1:00 PM, then dropping to 9 by 2:00 PM. The afternoon continues this downward trend with values of 7 at 3:00 PM, 4 at 4:00 PM, and finally settling to a comfortable 2 by 5:00 PM. As twilight approaches, the UV Index decreases to a safe 1 by 6:00 PM, lingering at this low level until 7:00 PM. Remember, while midday sun can be fierce, the early and late hours present a much gentler UV experience!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 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, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from April to September. During this period, the UV Index reaches very high levels, peaking in June at an extreme Index of 11, where the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious from March to September, when the index consistently exceeds 6, indicating a high to extreme risk of skin damage. To protect against harmful UV rays, it's advisable to wear sunscreen with a high SPF, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours, especially from late spring through summer. As the UV Index decreases in fall and winter, with moderate levels in January and December, vigilance remains important, albeit with longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes.
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 |
| Zaghouan | 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 |