Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Ketou, Benin, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly in a climate where high UV exposure is common. Typically basking in the warmth of the Aw climate zone, Ketou experiences significant UV intensity throughout the day, peaking at a stratospheric level of 12 between noon and early afternoon. Staying informed about these levels empowers you to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing risks to your skin health.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic rise and fall, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and escalating to a peak of 12 by noon. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index remains at a strong 12 from 12:00 to 13:00, indicating a high risk for unprotected skin. Following this midday intensity, the UVI gradually decreases, dipping to 8 by 15:00, then dropping to 4 by 16:00. As the late afternoon approaches, the numbers decline further, landing at 2 by 17:00 and finally retreating to a safe 0 after sunset at 19:00. It's crucial to take precautions during those peak hours to ensure skin safety in such intense UV conditions!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
During the year, the UV Index shows significant variability, with extreme levels persisting from January through October, peaking at 14 in April. As a result, visitors and residents are advised to exercise extra caution, particularly during the high-risk months from March to October, when burn times are consistently around 10 minutes. In contrast, November and December present very high UV levels with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes; even so, sun protection remains essential. To safeguard against harmful UV exposure, it is crucial to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen generously, and seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours.
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 |
Ketou | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 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 |