UV Index in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, it's crucial to be aware of the UV Index as it plays a significant role in your skin health and overall well-being. Understanding UV levels helps you take necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially given the city’s high-altitude climate, which can intensify sun exposure. With typical midday UV Index readings soaring to a remarkable 15, it’s important to stay vigilant. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can better protect yourself from harmful effects while enjoying the vibrant Ethiopian sun.

Hourly UV Index in Addis Ababa

The UV Index today paints a vivid picture of sun intensity, peaking dramatically as the day unfolds. Starting at a mere 1 at 07:00, it quickly escalates, reaching 5 by 09:00. The sun's power becomes most potent between 11:00 and 13:00, where it hits its maximum of 15—a prime time for sun safety precautions. As the afternoon wanes, the index dips to 9 by 15:00, then gracefully descends to 1 by 18:00, and finally rests at 0 after 19:00. This trajectory underscores the importance of staying protected during peak hours, particularly around noon when the sun is at its fiercest.

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	5	moderate	30 min
10:00	9	very high	15 min
11:00	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	15	extreme	10 min
13:00	15	extreme	10 min
14:00	13	extreme	10 min
15:00	9	very high	15 min
16:00	5	moderate	30 min
17:00	2	low	45 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Addis Ababa

The UV Index reveals significant seasonal changes, with extreme exposure levels persisting throughout the year. From January to August, the index remains exceptionally high, peaking at 16 in March and August, and only slightly decreasing to 12 by December. These readings indicate that the highest risk months for sunburn are concentrated in the spring and summer, particularly between March and August. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during this time by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly. Notably, even in the cooler months from September to December, the UV Index remains at moderate levels, necessitating awareness and protective actions. Overall, vigilance against UV exposure is crucial year-round due to the consistently extreme risk indicated by the data.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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

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

Addis Ababa's solar exposure compared to other cities in Ethiopia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mek'ele UVI	12	14	15	15	15	12	13	14	13	13	11	10
Bahir Dar UVI	12	14	15	15	14	12	14	15	13	12	11	10
Dire Dawa UVI	13	14	15	15	14	12	14	15	14	12	12	11
Nazret UVI	13	15	15	16	14	12	14	15	14	13	12	11
Addis Ababa	13	15	16	16	15	12	15	16	14	14	13	12