UV Index in Douala, Cameroon

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Douala, Cameroon, a city characterized by its warm tropical climate and high levels of sunlight throughout the year. Awareness of UV levels is essential in preventing sunburns and maintaining skin health, as exposure can lead to serious long-term consequences. With peak UV Index readings reaching 11 during midday hours, those living in or visiting Douala must be mindful of sun safety and take protective measures to shield themselves from harmful rays. Stay informed and enjoy the sun responsibly!

Hourly UV Index in Douala

The UV Index for the day presents a clear picture of sun intensity, starting off gentle in the early hours. At 7:00 AM, it begins at a mild 1, increasing to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index climbs rapidly; by 10:00 AM, it reaches 7 and peaks at an intense 11 around 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. After this zenith, the levels gradually decline, dropping to 9 by 2:00 PM, 6 at 3:00 PM, and settling back to a safe 1 by 5:00 PM. The UV exposure diminishes further, reaching a low of 0 by 7:00 PM. Stay protected 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	4	moderate	30 min
10:00	7	high	25 min
11:00	10	very high	15 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	11	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