Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents of Doume, Cameroon, where the tropical climate significantly influences daily sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, particularly during peak hours when UV readings can soar to 12. With the highest UV Index typically recorded around noon, it's crucial for individuals to take protective measures against skin damage. Given Doume's Aw climate zone, where the risk of intense UV radiation is prevalent, staying informed can help safeguard your health and enjoy the sun responsibly.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts with a mild rating of 1, making it safe for morning activities. However, as the sun rises, it quickly gains intensity, peaking at a striking 12 by 12:00—the highest point of the day. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 and 13:00, with a critical UV level of 11 at 11:00. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to wane, dropping to 8 by 14:00, and further declining to 5 by 15:00. By 17:00, the UV Index decreases to a safer 1, paving the way for evening activities under less harsh sunlight. As night falls, the UV activity fades to 0 at 19:00, offering a gentle reminder of the sun's powerful presence during the day.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
| Doume | 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 |