Last updated: September 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Hagere Maryam, Ethiopia, as it plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. With the region's Cfb climate, which typically features warm summers and mild winters, awareness of UV levels becomes essential during sunny days. The UV Index can soar to 14 around midday, exposing individuals to increased risks of skin damage. By recognizing these levels, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful Ethiopian sun safely.
The UV Index data unfolds a fascinating narrative of sun intensity throughout the day. Starting at a low of 1 at 07:00, the sun gradually awakens, with the index climbing to 2 by 08:00. A noticeable surge occurs between 09:00 and 12:00, where the UV Index rockets to a peak of 14, marking the sun's most potent hours. As the afternoon progresses, from 13:00 to 14:00, the index stabilizes at this zenith of 14, urging sun-seekers to take precautions. Thereafter, a gentle decline commences; the levels drop to 8 by 15:00 and continue to wane, reaching 1 by 18:00 and finally plummeting to 0 by 19:00. This rhythmic rise and fall of sunlight intensity clearly emphasizes the importance of staying sun-safe during those high UV periods!
| 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index displays consistent extreme levels throughout much of the year, particularly peaking in the early months from January to April, with values reaching up to 16. The high-risk months for UV exposure are February, March, and April, during which the UV Index remains at 16, signifying a very high potential for skin damage in as little as 10 minutes of unprotected exposure. Even as spring transitions to summer, values remain notably high, with May to September also classified as extreme, though slightly lower at 15. Residents and visitors should exercise caution; it is advisable to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade during the peak sun hours year-round, especially from January through September to safeguard against severe sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| 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 |
| Hagere Maryam | 14 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 12 |