Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Asmara, Eritrea, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense due to its high altitude and BSh climate. Being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting overall skin health, making it essential to check the forecast daily. At midday, Asmara can experience a peak UV Index of 13, signifying extreme risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. With this knowledge, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the beautiful sunshine safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a low of 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it gently climbs to 2, setting the stage for the day's peak. A steady increase brings us to 5 by 09:00, but the real intensity hits at 10:00, with the UV Index soaring to 8. The midday sun reaches its zenith at 11:00, where we peak at 11, and it continues to blaze at 12:00 with a staggering 13. As the afternoon sets in, the index begins its descent, recording 12 at 13:00 and gradually tapering off to 10 at 14:00. By 15:00, it slips down to 7, then further declines to 4 at 16:00. After a reprieve, the index drops to 2 at 17:00, finally settling back to a tranquil 1 by 18:00 and 0 at 19:00. This ebb and flow of the UV Index serves as a reminder of the sun’s powerful grip throughout the day, urging us to stay protected during the peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index reveals significant seasonal changes, with the highest values occurring from January to May, peaking at 15 in both March and April, indicating an extreme exposure category and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. Following this peak, the index remains high but slightly lowers to 12-14 during the summer months of June through August. A gradual decline in UV levels occurs through September and October, eventually dropping to 10 in November and December, though still categorized as very high with an extended burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during the high-risk months from January through May, taking precautions such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to mitigate the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massawa UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| Assab UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Keren UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Asmara | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| Mendefera UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 10 |