UV Index in Bishoftu, Ethiopia

Last updated: August 1, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Bishoftu, Ethiopia, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Cwb climate, characterized by high altitude and sunny days, UV exposure can reach dangerous levels—especially during midday hours when the index peaks around 15. By staying informed about UV levels, residents and visitors can take proactive measures to protect themselves from harmful radiation and enjoy the beautiful outdoor environment safely. Being aware of the UV Index empowers everyone to make better choices about sun protection, ensuring they can bask in the sunlight while minimizing skin damage.

Hourly UV Index in Bishoftu

The UV Index for the day tells a compelling story of sun intensity. Starting off with a maximum of 1 at 07:00, the day gradually heats up, reaching 2 by 08:00. However, from 09:00, the UV Index climbs significantly, hitting 5 before peaking dramatically at 15 by noon—the time when sunblock is a must! The intensity remains high at 15 for the next hour, then gradually declines to 12 at 14:00. As the afternoon wane, the index dips down to 8 at 15:00, before falling to 4 at 16:00 and a cool 2 by 17:00. By evening, the sun's rays diminish to 1 at 18:00, and finally fading to 0 by 19:00. It’s a day that emphasizes the importance of sun safety during peak hours!

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	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	15	extreme	10 min
13:00	15	extreme	10 min
14:00	13	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Bishoftu

The UV Index reveals significant seasonal changes, with the highest readings occurring from February to April, peaking at 16, indicating an extreme exposure category and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. Months like March and April are particularly high-risk for UV exposure, posing a serious threat to skin health for both visitors and residents. While UV levels decrease slightly in June and remain high through August, they remain in the extreme category, suggesting continuous vigilance is essential. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen during high UV days, especially from February to April, to mitigate harm from intense sunlight.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Bishoftu, Ethiopia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Bishoftu 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.

Bishoftu'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
Bishoftu	13	15	16	16	14	12	15	15	14	13	12	12
Addis Ababa UVI	13	15	16	16	15	12	15	16	14	14	13	12