Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Penja, Cameroon, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. With the region’s tropical climate, UV levels can soar, especially during midday hours—reaching a peak of 11 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Being aware of these fluctuations helps residents and visitors take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, enhancing overall skin health. Whether you’re enjoying outdoor activities or simply going about your daily life, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in safeguarding your skin from the sun's intensity.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb steadily, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00 AM. By 09:00 AM, it surges to 5, signaling a need for early protective measures. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM, with a high of 11, marking the time for maximum caution under the sun. The intensity starts to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 6 by 03:00 PM and further decreasing to a gentle 1 by 05:00 PM. As the daylight fades, the UV Index falls to 0 by 07:00 PM, signaling the end of a day with notable solar exposure. Plan your activities accordingly to enjoy the sun safely!
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 | 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 |
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 |
Penja | 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 |