Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. The local climate, classified as Cwb, brings a unique combination of altitude and proximity to the equator, leading to varying UV levels that can peak dramatically during midday. Understanding these levels is essential, as high UV exposure (peaking at a powerful 13 around 1 PM) can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about UV levels, residents and visitors can better protect themselves, ensuring healthy skin while enjoying the vibrant outdoors of this beautiful city.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dramatic spike in solar radiation. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, it quickly climbs to 2 by 8:00, before reaching a notable 5 at 9:00. The real intensity kicks in around 10:00 AM, when the index hits 8, peaking at an intense 12 at noon and soaring to 13 by 1:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to taper, dropping to 11 at 2:00 PM, followed by a gradual decline to 7 at 3:00 PM, further easing to 4 by 4:00 PM. By the evening, the UV levels return to a soothing 1 at 6:00 PM and finally settle at 0 by 7:00 PM. It's clear that during midday,** protective measures against UV exposure are crucial** to ensure safety under the sun.
| 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 | 12 | 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 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.
UV Risk Categories
| 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 |