Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Kibre Mengist, Ethiopia, where outdoor activities are a part of daily life. With the region's temperate climate characterized by mild temperatures, the sun can still pose significant risks, particularly during peak hours. High UV levels are associated with increased chances of sunburn and long-term skin damage, making awareness essential for protecting your skin health. Typically, the UV Index here peaks at 14 around noon, indicating very high risk, so knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in enjoying the sunny Ethiopian climate safely.
The UV Index displays a dramatic rise throughout the morning and peaks at 14 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, marking the highest intensity of the day. Beginning with a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the intensity escalates quickly, reaching 12 by 11:00 AM and encouraging sun safety measures. After hitting its zenith, the index begins to decline, dropping to 8 by 3:00 PM before easing further to 2 by 5:00 PM and finally settling at 0 by 7:00 PM. This fluctuation underscores the importance of protecting your skin during peak hours, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the sun's rays can be most harmful.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 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 |
| Kibre Mengist | 14 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 12 |