UV Index in Assab, Eritrea

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Assab, Eritrea is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn in this region known for its hot desert climate (BWh). With peak UV levels reaching as high as 10 during midday hours, awareness of these indices empowers residents and visitors alike to protect their skin against the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure. By comprehending the daily fluctuations in UV intensity, you can effectively plan outdoor activities, ensuring safety and well-being while enjoying the sunny allure of Assab.

Hourly UV Index in Assab

As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, beginning at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it reaches 2, indicating an increase in exposure, but it’s from 9:00 AM that the intensity truly ramps up, hitting a moderate 4. The peak occurs at 12:00 PM, where the index soars to an impressive 10, signaling a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Following this peak, the UV Index begins to gently descend, dropping to 9 at 1:00 PM and then gradually tapering off to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the values decrease steadily, leaving a comfortable 1 by 5:00 PM, and finally settling at 0 by 7:00 PM. It’s a clear reminder that while the midday sun can be mighty, the late afternoon offers a more forgiving vibe for outdoor activities.

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	9	very high	15 min
12:00	10	very high	15 min
13:00	9	very high	15 min
14:00	7	high	25 min
15:00	5	moderate	30 min
16:00	2	low	45 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Assab

The UV Index experiences notable seasonal changes, peaking at 13 in April and May, indicating an extreme exposure category where burn time is just 10 minutes. February through May are particularly high-risk months, with UV levels remaining at 11 or 12, hence residents and visitors should exercise increased caution. Although June to October sees a slight reduction to a very high UV Index of 10, the recommended burn time remains a mere 15 minutes. As such, it's crucial for everyone to adopt protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, especially from February to May.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Assab, Eritrea

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Assab. 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 Assab, 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 Assab UV Index with Other Eritrea Cities

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

Assab's solar exposure compared to other cities in Eritrea. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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	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
Mendefera UVI	11	13	15	15	14	12	13	13	12	12	10	10
Asmara UVI	11	13	15	15	14	12	13	13	12	12	10	10