Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for everyone in Yokadouma, Cameroon, where the climate zones categorize it as Aw, featuring a mix of dry and wet seasons. The UV Index provides valuable insight into the sun's ultraviolet radiation levels, helping residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin health issues. With peak UV levels soaring to 11 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations can significantly mitigate risks associated with exposure. In a region where the sun shines brightly, being informed about UV levels is essential for enjoying the outdoors safely while protecting your skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 1 by 07:00, gradually climbing to a moderate 2 by 08:00. The UV exposure takes a significant leap at 09:00, reaching 5, and then surges to a high of 11 between 12:00 and 13:00, marking the day’s peak. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to 8 by 14:00, before sliding back to 5 at 15:00. The evening hours bring relief, with the index descending to 2 by 16:00, and finally settling at 1 by 17:00. By 19:00, the UV Index returns to 0, signaling a complete retreat of harmful rays as daylight fades, underscoring the importance of sun protection during those peak midday hours!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits high levels throughout the year, with extreme ratings from January to August and continuing into September and October, making these the high-risk months for sun exposure. Notably, March and April peak with indices of 14 and 15, respectively, indicating a significant need for protective measures. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, including wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. As we transition to the fall and winter months, while the UV Index decreases slightly, November and December still maintain relatively high levels, making it essential to remain vigilant about sun safety year-round. Always remember: even on cloudy days, UV rays can cause skin damage, so protecting your skin should remain a priority.
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 |
| Yokadouma | 12 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Bamenda UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 |