Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Mutengene, Cameroon, where the warm, tropical climate can lead to significant sun exposure. As UV levels can reach extreme highs—peaking at 11 during midday—awareness of UV index readings plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health. For a community accustomed to such climate conditions, it becomes essential to recognize the risks associated with high UV levels, ensuring effective sun protection and promoting overall well-being. Stay informed and take proactive steps to protect your skin—your health depends on it!
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually rising as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 4, urging early risers to stay vigilant. The intensity peaks at noon, hitting a scorching 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. This peak continues until 1:00 PM, where it remains at 11 before beginning its descent. The afternoon sees a noticeable drop, with the index falling to 6 by 3:00 PM and further decreasing to 3 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index drops to a safe 1 by 5:00 PM and finally falls to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling the end of the sun's powerful rays. Stay informed and protect your skin 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 | 9 | 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 readings reveal significant seasonal changes, particularly peaking during the spring and summer months. January and December record a very high exposure category with an index of 10 and a burn time of 15 minutes, signaling caution for outdoor activities. However, from February to November, the UV Index reaches an extreme level, peaking at 15 in April. The high-risk months for sun exposure are February through November, where burn times are notably short at only 10 minutes. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take proactive sun safety measures during these months, including wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Staying informed and prepared can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| Mutengene | 10 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 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 |