Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Buea, Cameroon, where the warm Am climate can lead to elevated sun exposure. With UV levels soaring as high as 11, awareness of these measurements helps protect against harmful effects such as sunburn and long-term skin damage. By comprehending the daily fluctuations in UV intensity, especially during peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM, locals can take proactive measures to ensure their skin health and enjoy the outdoors safely, minimizing risks that come with living in a region known for its vibrant sun.
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!
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 |
The UV Index exhibits notably high levels throughout the year, particularly from January to October, where it consistently falls within the extreme exposure category. The highest readings occur in April (15) and May (13), marking these months as particularly high-risk for sunburn, with a recommended burn time of just 10 minutes across most months. December sees a slight decrease to a very high index of 10, allowing for a longer exposure time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions year-round, including wearing protective clothing, utilizing sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during these high-risk months when the UV levels can pose a significant threat to skin health.
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 |
Buea | 11 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 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 |