Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Abomsa, Ethiopia, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is vital not only for effective sunburn prevention but also for long-term skin health—especially in a region where the climate (classified as Cwb) can produce intense midday sun exposure. With UV Index values peaking at a striking 14 around noon, residents and visitors alike must prioritize sun safety to mitigate the risks associated with high UV levels, ensuring enjoyable outdoor experiences while safeguarding their skin.
The UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, a perfect time for outdoor activities with minimal sun exposure. As the day progresses, the index steadily climbs, reaching a moderate 2 at 8:00 AM and climbing to 5 by 9:00 AM. The sun continues to rise, peaking dramatically at 12:00 PM with a maximum of 14, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity remains high at 13 until 1:00 PM, before gradually tapering off; it dips to 11 at 2:00 PM, and further decreases to 7 by 3:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UI sinks back to a comfortable 2 at 5:00 PM, finally mellowing to 1 and 0 as daylight fades into night. Plan your sun activity wisely to stay safe!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | 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 fluctuates throughout the year, with extreme exposure categories dominating from January through October. The highest UV Index readings are seen in April and August, reaching values of 15, while November and December see a slight decrease, with December at a very high level of 10. High-risk months for sun exposure are from February to August, where the UV Index consistently stays at or above 14. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours from January to August when the burn time is dramatically minimized to just 10 minutes.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abomsa | 12 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 10 |
| 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 |