UV Index in Douala, Cameroon

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Douala, Cameroon, awareness of the UV Index is vital for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding the daily UV levels can help prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage, especially in a region where intense sunlight is a common feature. With a tropical climate characterized by high UV exposure, the index can soar to alarming levels—reaching up to 12 during peak hours. Being informed about these fluctuations empowers you to take protective measures and enjoy the sun safely, allowing you to embrace the vibrant outdoor lifestyle that Douala has to offer while keeping your skin health in check.

Hourly UV Index in Douala

The UV Index starts off low at 1 around 07:00, gradually rising to a moderate 2 by 08:00. As the sun reaches its peak, the index sharply escalates, hitting 8 at 10:00 and peaking at a striking 12 between 12:00 and 13:00. This intense solar exposure signals a strong need for protection, especially with the index maintaining an elevated 11 at 11:00 before beginning a gradual decline. By 14:00, it drops to 9, then further down to 6 at 15:00, and continues to fall, reaching 1 by 17:00. As the evening approaches, the UV levels taper off to 0 by 19:00, indicating a complete cessation of harmful UV exposure. Stay savvy and prioritize sun safety during those peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	11	extreme	10 min
12:00	12	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Douala

Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from February to April, reaching a peak of 14 in April. The high-risk months for UV exposure are identified as February through November, where the index remains in the extreme category for most months, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. In contrast, January and December present slightly lower risks with a very high index of 10, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes; however, caution is still advised.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Douala, Cameroon

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Douala. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Douala, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Douala UV Index with Other Cameroon Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Douala compares to other major locations across Cameroon. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Douala's solar exposure compared to other cities in Cameroon. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Douala	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
Bamenda UVI	12	13	14	14	14	13	13	13	13	13	12	11