Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Kousseri, Cameroon, where the sun shines brightly throughout the year in a BSh climate. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 12, it's essential to be aware of the risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage. By familiarizing yourself with daily UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable experience outdoors. Be mindful of the midday sun, when UV exposure is at its most intense, to safeguard against the harmful effects of excessive sunlight.
From 07:00 to 19:00, the UV Index paints a vibrant picture of the day’s sun intensity. Beginning with a low of 1 at dawn, the index steadily rises to reach its peak at 12:00, where it hits a sizzling 12. This midday high signals the optimal time for sun protection, as levels reach a blistering 11 by 11:00. As the afternoon unfolds, the UV Index gradually dips, dropping to 5 by 15:00, before settling back down to a safe 1 by 17:00, and finally dropping to 0 as the sun sets at 19:00. It's essential to stay mindful of these fluctuations, especially during those peak hours when protection against UV rays is crucial.
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 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels demonstrate significant seasonal variation, with the highest values observed from February to September, characterized by an extreme exposure category. Notably, March, July, August, and September each peak at a UV Index of 13, indicating that these months pose a particularly high risk for skin damage, with a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. Even January, November, and December show high levels, with UV Index values ranging from 9 to 10, which still necessitate caution, especially during midday hours. Residents and visitors should take proactive measures to protect themselves during these high-risk months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade whenever possible to reduce 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 | 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 |
Bamenda UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 |