UV Index in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, where the sun's rays can be surprisingly intense. With a tropical Aw climate that sees high UV levels, especially during midday hours, awareness of UV exposure is essential for preventing sunburns and maintaining healthy skin. The UV Index can soar to 11 around noon, signaling extreme risk, so understanding these levels empowers you to take necessary precautions. By staying informed, you can enjoy Abidjan's beautiful weather while protecting yourself from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Hourly UV Index in Abidjan

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!

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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Abidjan

As the seasons change, so do UV levels, significantly impacting both visitors and residents. The highest UV Index levels—ranging from 11 to 14—occur from February through April, marking these months as high-risk for sun exposure, with a critical burn time of just 10 minutes in most cases. May through October also presents extreme risk months, maintaining a persistent UV Index of 11 to 12, and the burn time remains alarmingly low at 10 minutes. By November and December, the UV Index slightly drops to 10 and 9, respectively, transitioning to a very high exposure category, but still necessitating caution as burn times decrease to 15 minutes. To safeguard against skin damage, it is advisable for everyone to take preventive measures, such as utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during peak UV hours from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Abidjan. 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 Abidjan, 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 Abidjan UV Index with Other Côte d'Ivoire Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Abidjan compares to other major locations across Côte d'Ivoire. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Abidjan's solar exposure compared to other cities in Côte d'Ivoire. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Abobo UVI	10	11	12	14	13	12	11	12	12	12	10	9
Abidjan	10	11	12	14	13	11	11	12	12	12	10	9
San-Pedro UVI	11	12	12	15	13	11	11	12	12	12	11	10
Bouake UVI	11	11	12	13	13	12	12	13	13	12	10	10
Daloa UVI	11	12	12	13	13	12	12	13	13	12	10	10