Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Gambela, Ethiopia, as it serves as an essential guide to sun exposure and skin health. With the region's Aw climate characterized by intense sunlight, knowing the UV levels can help residents take preventative measures against sunburn and other skin damage. From the peak levels around noon, reaching a maximum of 12, it’s vital to be aware of the risks associated with high UV exposure. Staying informed ensures that you can enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle Gambela offers while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index data for the day reveals a dramatic rise in sun exposure as the hours progress. Starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00, it swiftly climbs to 2 by 08:00. By 09:00, the index reaches a moderate 4, but it’s from 10:00 onwards that the sun’s strength truly shines, peaking at an intense 12 during the noon hours of 12:00 and 13:00. This memorable midday height signifies the critical time for protection against harmful UV rays. The afternoon sees a slight drop, with values decreasing to 11 at 14:00 and then tapering down to 7 at 15:00. As the sun begins its descent, the UVI returns to safer levels, falling to 4 by 16:00, and dwindling to 1 at 18:00 before settling at 0 by 19:00. As such, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and protect your skin during peak UV hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | 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 demonstrates significant seasonal variations, with consistently high to extreme levels from January through October, peaking in August at a UV Index of 14. The highest risk months for skin damage are July and August, where a brief burn time of just 10 minutes can lead to serious sunburn. Even in late spring and early fall, the UV Index remains high, making it crucial for residents and visitors to adopt protective measures year-round. During these months, it's recommended to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, seek shade, and don protective clothing to minimize UV exposure. As we move into December, levels drop significantly to very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes, but still warranting caution to protect skin health.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gambela | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 |
| 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 |