Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Abomey, Benin, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Aw climate, characterized by hot and humid conditions, UV levels can peak significantly, particularly between 11 AM and 1 PM when readings can reach a staggering 12. By being aware of these levels, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin from harmful rays, ensuring a safer and healthier outdoor experience in this vibrant area. Stay informed and stay safe under the sun!
The UV Index throughout the day tells an engaging story of the sun's intensity. Early morning hours greet us gently, peaking at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. As the day progresses, the UV Index begins to rise, reaching a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM before soaring to a 6 at 10:00 AM. The real intensity kicks in around 11:00 AM, where it skyrockets to 9 and hits a staggering peak of 11 at 12:00 PM. The sun continues to blaze during the afternoon, with the index reaching a maximum of 12 at 1:00 PM. Following this zenith, the UV levels start to decline, tapering off to 10 by 2:00 PM, then gently falling to 8 at 3:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV Index continues to decrease, settling back to 5 by 4:00 PM and winding down to a soft 2 by 5:00 PM, before fading to 1 as dusk settles in at 6:00 PM and beyond. It’s a vivid reminder to stay sun-safe, especially during those 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 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits a notable peak during the spring and summer months, with the highest values recorded in April (14) and March (12), indicating an extreme exposure category and a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. January through August consistently show high UV levels, making these months particularly risky for sun exposure. Notably, visitors and residents should be vigilant during these high-risk months from March to September, where vigilance in sun protection is crucial. As the year transitions into November and December, the UV Index drops to 9, categorized as very high, with a slightly extended burn time of 15 minutes. It is essential for everyone to wear adequate sun protection, including sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, especially during the peak UV hours between 10 AM and 4 PM.
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 |
| Abomey | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 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 |