UV Index in Bichena, Ethiopia

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Bichena, Ethiopia, where high elevations and a diverse climate present unique sun exposure risks. As a town situated in a Cwb climate zone, Bichena experiences notable fluctuations in UV levels throughout the day, peaking at a dangerous 14 around midday. Being aware of these levels is essential not just for sunburn prevention, but also for maintaining overall skin health. By grasping the importance of the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from harmful rays.

Hourly UV Index in Bichena

The UV Index readings throughout the day reveal a dynamic pattern of sun intensity. Starting gently at 1 at 07:00, the index climbs steadily, reaching 2 by 08:00. As the morning progresses, the warmth strengthens, peaking at an impressive 14 between 12:00 and 13:00—a clear indication that midday sun calls for serious sun protection! After this high, the index gradually declines, dropping to 11 at 14:00, then tapering off to 7 by 15:00, and further down to 1 by 18:00. Finally, the day fades into evening with a UV Index of 0 at 19:00, reminding us of the protective embrace of the dusk after a radiant day under the sun.

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	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	extreme	10 min
13:00	14	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Bichena

The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels of 15 consistently observed from February through May and in August, categorizing these months as high-risk for sun exposure. Notably, the extreme exposure category throughout the year indicates that visitors and residents should take precautionary measures to protect their skin from harmful UV radiation. Even during the slightly lower UV Index months of October and November, it remains crucial to utilize sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade to mitigate the risk of sunburn, knowing that the burn time across all months is critically short at just 10 minutes. It's vital to stay informed and prepared, especially during peak months, to ensure safety while enjoying outdoor activities.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Bichena, Ethiopia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Bichena 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.

Bichena'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
Bichena	13	15	15	15	15	12	14	15	14	13	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