Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Bohicon, Benin, where the climate can expose you to significantly higher levels of ultraviolet radiation. The UV Index not only serves as a warning for potential sunburn, but also plays a vital role in safeguarding your skin health. With typical midday UV levels soaring to dangerous heights—reaching up to 13—it's essential to stay informed about daily fluctuations to effectively protect yourself from harmful effects. Living in Bohicon, characterized by its tropical climate, presents unique challenges, as UV exposure risks dramatically increase during peak hours. Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy the vibrant sun responsibly!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases some exciting fluctuations. Starting off gently at a maximum of 1 until 9:00 AM, the intensity begins to ramp up significantly. By 10:00 AM, it jumps to 7, reaching its peak at 12:00 PM with a fierce 12. This is the moment to seek shade or wear protective gear, as the index climbs to a staggering 13 by 1:00 PM. Gradually, it tapers off in the afternoon—with readings of 11 at 2:00 PM, 8 at 3:00 PM, and descending to 5 by 4:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV exposure diminishes, dropping to 2 at 5:00 PM and fading to 1 by 6:00 PM, finally reaching 0 by 7:00 PM. It’s a day that calls for smart sun safety measures, especially during the midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | 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 | 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 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 |
| Bohicon | 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 |