Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Grand-Popo, Benin, where the Aw climate brings warm, sunny days. Familiarity with UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and promoting skin health, particularly during the peak hours when the UV Index reaches dangerous levels (up to 13 around midday). With typical risks associated with high UV exposure, being aware of the daily UV Index empowers you to take necessary precautions, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful sun safely while protecting your skin from potential harm.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins modestly with a maximum of 1 around 07:00, gradually rising to 3 by 09:00. By 10:00, the sun’s intensity peaks, reaching 6, but the real solar blast happens between 11:00 and 13:00, where it soars to a staggering 12 and 13 respectively. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index starts to decline, dropping to 11 by 14:00 and further to 8 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the intensity diminishes, with readings of 5 at 16:00, 2 at 17:00, and returning to a safe 1 by 18:00. The day's UV journey concludes with a 0 reading at 19:00, highlighting the importance of sun safety during peak 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | 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 shows significant seasonal fluctuations, with extreme levels persisting from January to October, peaking in April at 14. This period represents the highest risk for UV exposure, with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes across the board. Although the UV risk begins to decrease in November and December, these months still maintain a very high category with a burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are urged to take precautionary measures during these months, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV intensity is greatest.
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 |
Grand-Popo | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 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 |