Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Zaghouan, Tunisia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the levels of ultraviolet radiation can help you prevent sunburns and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. With Zaghouan's Mediterranean climate typically exposing residents and visitors to high UV levels, especially during peak hours—when the index can soar to 10—it's essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Whether you're enjoying the outdoors or simply soaking up the sun, knowing the UV Index can make all the difference in ensuring your time in this beautiful region is safe and enjoyable.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to escalate, peaking dramatically around midday. At 07:00, it's a modest 1, but by 08:00, it climbs to 3, signaling the start of a brighter day. The sun's intensity continues to rise swiftly, hitting 5 by 09:00 and reaching a scorching 10 between 12:00 and 13:00—a crucial time for sun safety awareness. As the afternoon wears on, the index begins to dip, dropping to 9 at 14:00 and gradually falling to 6, 4, and eventually down to 2 by 17:00, before settling back to 1 as the sun sets at 19:00. It's a day that showcases the importance of protecting your skin during peak hours!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | 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 |