Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Aplahoue, Benin, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With a tropical climate characterized by high solar exposure, residents and visitors alike should be aware of the varying UV levels throughout the day. Notably, the UV Index peaks at 12 between 1 PM and 2 PM, indicating a risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these levels, you can take the necessary precautions to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, ensuring a healthier outdoor experience in this vibrant region.
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 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index data reveals significant seasonal changes, with highest values occurring from March to September. The peak appears in April at an index of 14, categorizing it as extreme, along with March and May, which also maintain values above 12. Notably, January through August all reflect extreme exposure levels, emphasizing the importance of sun safety during these months. While September and October experience a slight decline with UV indices of 13 and 12 respectively, they still require caution. The high-risk months for UV exposure are particularly marked from March to September, when burn time remains critically low at just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to 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 |
| Aplahoue | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| 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 |