Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With tropical highland climate conditions, the city experiences significant sunlight exposure, especially during peak hours when UV levels can reach a staggering 14—a level that poses serious risks of sunburn and longer-term skin damage. Awareness of daily UV levels helps residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun protection, reducing the chances of harmful effects while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Remember, knowing the UV Index is not just about avoiding sunburn; it's a vital step towards maintaining healthy skin in Bahir Dar's sun-drenched climate.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 5, signaling a stronger presence of UV radiation. The zenith occurs between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, peaking at a striking 14, indicating that sun protection is crucial during these hours. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dropping to 5 by 4:00 PM, and further to a gentle 1 by 6:00 PM. Finally, as dusk approaches at 7:00 PM, the UV Index falls to 0, marking the end of the day’s sun exposure. Staying mindful of these fluctuations can help you enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the late winter and early spring months. The highest risk periods are from February to August, where the index consistently reaches 14-15, classified as extreme, with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during these months, ensuring they apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade whenever possible. Even during the later months, like September and October, the UV risk remains high, so continued precautions are essential. In contrast, December sees a slight decrease to an index of 10, still categorized as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes. Staying informed and taking protective measures year-round is vital to safeguard skin health.
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 | 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 |