Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Garoua Boulai, Cameroon, where the climate is characterized as Aw, typically featuring warm temperatures and strong sunlight. With peak UV levels reaching up to 13 during midday, awareness of the UV Index can play a vital role in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. High UV exposure not only increases the risk of sunburn but can also lead to long-term skin damage. By keeping an eye on the UV levels throughout the day, especially during the hours between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, residents can take necessary precautions to enjoy the sunshine safely.
The UV Index shows a dramatic rise throughout the morning, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, it peaks at an intense 13 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, signaling a high level of UV radiation that necessitates protective measures. The intensity gradually tapers off in the afternoon, dipping to 9 at 2:00 PM, before continuing its decline to 6 by 3:00 PM. By 4:00 PM, the UV Index drops to 3, and as twilight approaches, it settles back down to a safe 0 by 7:00 PM. This data emphasizes the importance of sun safety, particularly during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | 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 remains consistently high throughout the year, with extreme levels noted from January to June and then again from August to November. The peak exposure occurs in April with a UV Index of 15, while the lowest recorded index is 11 in November and December. All months indicate a burn time of just 10 minutes, highlighting significant risk for sunburn. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures, especially during the high-risk months of March to May, by using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize UV exposure.
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 |
Garoua Boulai | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 11 |
Bamenda UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 |