Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Dassa-Zoume, Benin, where the warm Aw climate brings with it significant sun exposure year-round. With UV levels peaking at 12 during midday, awareness of these readings is vital for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. By knowing the daily UV fluctuations, individuals can take timely precautions to protect themselves against harmful rays, ensuring that outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe while minimizing skin damage. Make it a habit to check the UV Index and plan your sun exposure wisely!
The UV Index on this particular day illustrates a dynamic and intense sun exposure, peaking at 12 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Starting off relatively low at 1 during the early hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, the index begins to rise noticeably as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 10:00 AM, it hits 6, indicating a notable increase in UV radiation. The most intense sunlight occurs around noon, where it reaches its maximum of 11, urging caution for outdoor activities. After 2:00 PM, the index begins to decline, falling to 5 by 4:00 PM, and wrapping up the day with low readings of 2 by 5:00 PM and returning to 1 after 6:00 PM. This suggests a strong reminder for sun protection during the midday hours!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with extreme levels persisting from January through October, indicating high-risk months for sun exposure. Specifically, the index peaks in April at 14, followed by May and August at 13, maintaining a consistent threat through July and September at 12. Consequently, the burn time remains critically low at just 10 minutes during these months. As conditions begin to moderate, November and December see a slight decrease to a very high category with UV indexes of 10 and 9, allowing for a longer burn time of 15 minutes. It is essential for both visitors and residents to prioritize sun safety during these high-risk months, utilizing protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and clothing to minimize UV exposure and prevent skin damage.
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 |
| Bohicon UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| Dassa-Zoume | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 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 |