Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for everyone in Asaita, Ethiopia, where the BSh climate leads to intense sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, as even brief exposure during peak hours can lead to damage. With daily maximum UV indexes soaring to 11 around noon, residents and visitors should stay informed about potential risks and take proactive measures to shield themselves from the sun's harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 at 07:00, gradually increasing to 2 by 08:00. By 09:00, it escalates to 5, marking the beginning of a notably higher risk time. The peak arrives at 12:00, with the index soaring to 11, signaling a significant intensity that demands caution. Midday reveals a slight dip to 10 at 13:00, followed by a steady decline through the afternoon. At 14:00, it falls to 8, and by 15:00, it drops to 5. As the sun begins its descent, the UV Index continues to decrease, reaching 3 by 16:00, while the evening settles in with values of 1 at 17:00 and 18:00, all the way down to 0 by 19:00, marking the end of the sun's strong influence for the day.
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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
The UV Index remains notably high throughout the year, with extreme levels observed from January to June and during August, indicating a persistent risk of skin damage with very short burn times of just 10 minutes. April sees the peak UV Index of 14, making it particularly hazardous, while only in December does the UV Index drop to 9, transitioning to a very high exposure category with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take adequate sun protection measures, especially during the high-risk months of March through September, to mitigate the risk of harmful UV exposure. Regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours are recommended practices to ensure safety under the sun.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Asaita | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 |
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 UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |