Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Loum, Cameroon, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. The UV levels here can soar, especially during midday hours, reaching a maximum of 13 around noon, which poses significant risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Loum's tropical climate, it’s essential to stay informed about daily UV exposure to make safe choices when enjoying the outdoors. By being aware of the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your skin and enjoy the vibrant sunshine with confidence.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, hitting a mild 1 by 7:00 AM. The intensity grows steadily, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM and then surging to 5 at 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the index peaks at a robust 8, warning of increasing exposure risk. 11:00 AM sees the UV rays intensify to an impressive 11, leading to a maximum of 13 at 12:00 PM, making it critical to stay protected. The afternoon sun starts to mellow out, dropping to 12 by 1:00 PM, then gradually tapering off to 10 at 2:00 PM, 6 at 3:00 PM, and further declining to 3 at 4:00 PM. Finally, as evening descends, the index falls to 1 by 5:00 PM and remains at that level through 6:00 PM, until fading to 0 after sunset at 7:00 PM. Stay vigilant and shield yourself 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels remain consistently high, reflecting extreme exposure from January to October. The highest UV Index occurs in April with a peak of 14, followed closely by March (12) and May (13), while levels drop slightly in November and December. The high-risk months for sunburn, characterized by a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes, include January through October, making it essential for visitors and residents to prioritize sun safety. During these months, it's crucial to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade during midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak. Even in December, with a UV Index of 10, caution is advised as the burn time increases slightly to 15 minutes.
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 |
Loum | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
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 |