UV Index in Garoua, Cameroon

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Garoua, Cameroon is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the town's Aw climate, characterized by hot and dry conditions, residents and visitors alike need to be aware of the high UV levels, especially during midday when the index peaks at a staggering 12. This awareness helps you take necessary precautions, such as seeking shade or applying sunscreen, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely while protecting against the harmful effects of prolonged UV exposure. Stay informed and keep your skin protected in Garoua's vibrant, sun-filled environment!

Hourly UV Index in Garoua

The UV Index begins the day at a mild level of 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing as the sun rises. By 09:00, it reaches 5, hinting at a more intense solar influence. The real peak occurs between 11:00 and 12:00, where the index skyrockets to an impressive 11 and 12, indicating a strong risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index starts to decline; by 15:00, it drops to 6, and then further decreases to 3 by 16:00. The sun begins to set, and the UV intensity plummets to 1 at 17:00, finally resting at 0 by 19:00. This pattern highlights the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its highest.

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	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	5	moderate	30 min
10:00	9	very high	15 min
11:00	11	extreme	10 min
12:00	12	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 Garoua

UV exposure is notably high for most of the year, particularly from March to October, where the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels, peaking at 14 in September. This period constitutes the highest risk months, making it crucial for both residents and visitors to take necessary sun safety precautions. With a burn time as short as 10 minutes during these months, it’s advisable to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to avoid harmful effects. Outside of this peak season, November and December still pose significant risk with a UV Index of 10 and a burn time of 15 minutes. Therefore, sun safety practices should remain a priority year-round.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Garoua, Cameroon

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Garoua. 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 Garoua, 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 Garoua UV Index with Other Cameroon Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Garoua 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.

Garoua'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 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	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