Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Semi, Benin, where the climate is characterized by high exposure to sunlight. Awareness of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, particularly during the peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM when the UV Index can soar to dangerous levels, reaching up to 12. With Semi's warm tropical climate, the risks associated with UV radiation are significant, making it essential to be informed and take proper precautions to enjoy the outdoors safely while keeping skin damage at bay.
Today’s UV index shows an early morning of low exposure, starting at a safe 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. However, as the sun rises, the index sharply climbs, hitting 3 by 09:00 and reaching a peak of 12 by 13:00, signifying a high risk period for sun exposure. The intensity begins to decline in the afternoon, dropping to 8 at 15:00 and down to 1 by 18:00, before finally settling at a 0 by 19:00. If you're planning to be outdoors today, it's vital to take precautions between 10:00 and 14:00 when the UV levels are at their most intense. Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 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 through June, peaking in April at a UV Index of 14, with a consistent burn time of 10 minutes throughout these months. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious, as the high-risk months for sun exposure include March through October, where the UV Index remains at 12 or higher. As we move into November and December, the risk lowers to very high levels (UV Index of 9) with a slightly increased burn time of 15 minutes. It is essential for everyone to take precautionary measures during these months by wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and applying sunscreen regularly, especially during peak sun hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semi | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| 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 |
| 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 |