Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Mbanga, Cameroon, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a tropical climate typical of the region, residents are often exposed to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation that can pose risks to skin integrity. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, UV levels can soar to a staggering 12, highlighting the importance of awareness and protective measures. By monitoring the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun exposure and safeguard your skin against harmful effects, ensuring a healthy and enjoyable outdoor lifestyle.
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!
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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, reaching its peak during the spring and early summer months. January and December are the only months where the UV Index falls to very high levels, with burn times of 15 minutes. However, from February to November, UV radiation remains consistently extreme, with March and April recording the highest index at 12 and 14, respectively, both allowing for only 10 minutes of unprotected exposure before burning. The high-risk months, notably from February to October, demonstrate the urgent need for sun protection. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during these critical periods to minimize the risk of UV-related harm.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mbanga | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 |
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 |
Bamenda UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 |