Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Se, Benin, where the tropical Aw climate brings both sunshine and potential risks. With UV levels peaking at a high of 12 during midday, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. As exposure to the sun's harmful rays increases throughout the day, knowing how to assess UV intensity can empower individuals to take proactive measures against skin damage. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking in the vibrant local culture, staying informed about the UV Index helps ensure a safer and healthier experience under the bright Beninese sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low, starting at 1 between 07:00 and 08:00. However, by 09:00, it climbs to 4, hinting at a more intense day ahead. The peak arrives at 12:00, where it reaches a blistering 12, indicating a significant risk for unprotected skin. This high level of UV exposure persists through the early afternoon, maintaining 12 until 13:00, before gradually tapering off to 11 at 14:00. As the day wanes, the index declines to 8 at 15:00, 5 at 16:00, and finally settles back to 1 by 18:00. Thankfully, by 19:00, it drops to 0, signaling a safe end to sun exposure. Plan your day wisely to dodge those midday rays!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits extreme levels from January to October, peaking in April at a UV Index of 14. High-risk months include March through September, where the UV Index consistently reaches 12 or higher, indicating a burn time as short as 10 minutes. As temperatures drop, the UV Index decreases to 9 in November and December, signaling a slightly lower but still significant risk, with a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these months by applying sunscreen regularly, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize exposure and reduce the risk of sunburn.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Porto-Novo UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
Abomey-Calavi UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
Se | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
Bohicon UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
Parakou UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
Djougou UVI | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 |