UV Index in Dese, Ethiopia

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Dese, Ethiopia, a town characterized by its high-altitude climate. With peak UV levels reaching an alarming 15 around noon, awareness of these daily fluctuations is essential for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. Prolonged exposure to intense UV radiation can lead to serious health issues like skin cancer, making it imperative to monitor UV levels regularly. As Dese experiences a blend of warm days and cooler nights, it's important to take proactive measures, especially during the sunniest hours, to protect yourself from the risks of overexposure.

Hourly UV Index in Dese

The UV Index today presents a dramatic rise from dawn to midday, reaching its peak at 12:00 PM with a striking 15. As the sun climbs in the sky, the intensity of UV radiation escalates quickly; starting at a low 1 at 7:00 AM, it surges to 10 by 10:00 AM and hits its highest point with 13 at 11:00 AM. A slight decline begins in the early afternoon, as the UV Index drops to 11 at 2:00 PM, before tapering off to 4 by 4:00 PM. As the day wanes, levels diminish further to 1 by 5:00 PM, settling at 0 by 7:00 PM. This pattern highlights the importance of sun safety during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when protective measures are most crucial.

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	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	6	high	25 min
10:00	10	very high	15 min
11:00	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	15	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	1	low	45 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Dese

Throughout the year, UV Index levels remain consistently high, with several months categorized as extreme. From January to May, the UV Index fluctuates between 13 to 16, peaking in April at 16, while July and August also maintain high levels around 14 to 15. The high-risk months for UV exposure are clearly from March to May and July to September, where rapid exposure can lead to sunburn in just 10 minutes. Therefore, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, as well as seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of skin damage, especially during these heightened months.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Dese, Ethiopia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Dese 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.

Dese'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
Nazret UVI	13	15	15	16	14	12	14	15	14	13	12	11
Dese	13	14	15	16	15	13	14	15	14	13	13	11
Addis Ababa UVI	13	15	16	16	15	12	15	16	14	14	13	12