Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Kumba, Cameroon, where the tropical climate brings significant sun exposure year-round. With peak UV levels often reaching as high as 11 during midday, awareness of these levels can mean the difference between a fun day outdoors and painful sunburn or long-term skin issues. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful effects of the sun, ensuring you enjoy Kumba's beautiful weather safely. As you explore this vibrant community, remember that being informed about UV risks is key to maintaining healthy skin in this sun-drenched climate.
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 |
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 |
Kumba | 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 |