Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire, where the tropical climate can lead to elevated UV exposure. As the sun climbs higher, so do the UV levels, peaking at 11 during midday hours—an intensity that can significantly increase the risk of sunburn and long-term skin health issues. With typical UV levels varying throughout the day, being aware of these fluctuations helps you take essential precautions to protect your skin. Whether you're enjoying the beautiful beaches or exploring the local culture, staying informed about UV exposure will enhance your outdoor experiences while keeping your skin safe.
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 exhibit significant seasonal variation, peaking in the spring and summer months. From January to March, UV exposure starts very high to extreme, but it escalates further in April and May with an index of 14 and 13, respectively. The high-risk months from March to October consistently show extreme levels, with burn times as short as 10 minutes throughout this period. Consequently, visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours, to reduce the risk of harmful UV exposure. As the year progresses into November and December, the UV Index begins to decline, though caution should still be exercised as levels remain very high.
UV Risk Categories
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 UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Grand-Bassam | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 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 |