Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Lalibela, Ethiopia, particularly given its high altitude and unique climate. As a destination known for its stunning heritage sites, awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. With a climate classified as Cwb, Lalibela experiences significant UV exposure, especially during midday hours, where the index peaks at a staggering 14. By staying informed about UV Index readings, you can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes with confidence, ensuring your sun safety while exploring the rich culture and history of this remarkable city.
The UV Index shifts dramatically throughout the day, peaking at noon with an impressive 14, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As you rise with the sun, the index starts low at 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing to 5 by 09:00. The sun's intensity escalates quickly, hitting 9 at 10:00 and soaring to its maximum at 12:00. From there, it remains high at 14 until 13:00, before tapering off to 12 by 14:00. The afternoon brings a gentle decline, with the index falling to 5 by 16:00 and dropping to 1 by 18:00, ultimately reaching 0 by 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during peak hours when the UV exposure is at its most dangerous!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | 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 data reveals that UV exposure is consistently high throughout the year, with extreme categories dominating from January to November. The highest UV indexes occur in March, April, May, and August, all reaching an index of 15, indicating a high-risk period for sunburn and skin damage with a burn time of only 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these months. It is essential to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade whenever possible, particularly during midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak. While UV levels slightly dip in June, September, October, and November, the burn time remains consistently low, underscoring the need for vigilance and protection year-round.
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 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 |
| Lalibela | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 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 |