Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Bertoua, Cameroon, where the tropical climate can lead to heightened risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage. With daily UV levels peaking at 12 between midday and early afternoon, awareness of these fluctuations helps individuals take proactive steps to protect their skin health. As Bertoua experiences a warm and sunny environment year-round, knowing when UV exposure is at its highest empowers residents to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing harmful effects from the sun. Stay informed, stay safe, and make the most of your time under the Cameroonian sun!
The UV Index throughout the day presents an interesting pattern as the sun rises and reaches its peak intensity. Starting at a mere 1 at 7:00 AM, it climbs slowly, hitting 2 by 8:00 AM. However, the real surge occurs as the day progresses, with a sharp increase to 5 by 9:00 AM. By 11:00 AM, you'll want to ensure proper sun protection, as it peaks at 10. The intensity reaches its highest point of 12 at 12:00 PM, suggesting maximum caution is needed. As the afternoon rolls on, the index begins to wane, dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM and then steadily declining to 3 by 4:00 PM. Finally, the UV exposure diminishes significantly as the day winds down, returning to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM and 0 by 8:00 PM. Be sure to enjoy the sun wisely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits highly elevated levels throughout most of the year, with the highest readings occurring from March to May when it peaks at 14, indicating an extreme exposure category and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Notably, January and February also show an index of 12, maintaining an extreme risk. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious from March to September, when UV levels remain consistently high, and proactive sun protection measures—such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade—are strongly advised to minimize the risk of skin damage. In contrast, November and December see a slight decrease in intensity, with UV levels dropping to 11 and 10 respectively, although caution is still warranted. Always remain vigilant about sun safety, as even brief exposure can lead to harmful effects.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douala UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
| Kousseri UVI | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
| Garoua UVI | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| Yaounde UVI | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 11 |
| Bertoua | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Bamenda UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 |