Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Benguela, Angola is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the region's warm and sunny climate. As UV levels rise significantly, peaking at 8 around noon, awareness of these fluctuations can help you take proactive steps to protect yourself. Whether you're enjoying the beautiful beaches or exploring the vibrant local culture, knowing when UV exposure is highest allows you to enjoy your time outdoors safely. With typical risks associated with high UV levels in a BSh climate, it's essential to stay informed and take appropriate precautions to shield yourself from harmful rays.
As the day breaks, the UV Index gradually rises, peaking at a robust 8 at 12:00 PM, signaling the sun's intensity is at its highest. Starting from a mild 1 at 07:00 AM and 08:00 AM, the UV levels steadily climb, hitting 5 by 10:00 AM. By 11:00 AM, a brisk 7 indicates that sun safety measures are essential. The intensity slightly declines after noon, tapering off to 6 at 2:00 PM, and then gradually decreases to a 4 by 3:00 PM. By evening, the UV Index drops back to a mere 1 at 5:00 PM and ultimately falls to 0 after 6:00 PM, signaling a safe return home as the sun sets. Keep this UV pattern in mind for outdoor activities to protect your skin and enjoy the day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest values occurring in the winter months. January through April consistently feature extreme UV Index levels, peaking at 15 in February, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. As the seasons shift into late spring and summer, the UV Index remains in the very high range from May to September, where burn times extend to 15 minutes. The month of October sees a return to extreme levels with an index of 12, followed by November and December, which also exhibit extreme conditions. Given this data, both visitors and residents are advised to take proactive measures in high-risk months, particularly from January to April, and October to December, ensuring to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luanda UVI | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 |
| Benguela | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 |
| Lobito UVI | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 |
| N'dalatando UVI | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 14 |
| Huambo UVI | 16 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 16 | 16 |