Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Yabelo, Ethiopia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. High UV levels, especially from late morning to early afternoon, pose significant risks as Yabelo's, characterized by its cool, temperate climate, experiences intense sunlight. During the peak hours of 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, the UV Index soars to a 15, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being aware of the UV levels not only helps residents and visitors enjoy the outdoors safely but also fosters long-term skin health by encouraging proper protective measures. Stay informed and take action to safeguard your skin under the Ethiopian sun!
Starting from the early morning, the UV Index rises gently, beginning at a low 1 at 07:00. As the sun climbs higher, it rapidly escalates, reaching 5 by 09:00 and peaking dramatically at 15 by noon, indicating a strong potential for skin damage without protection. From 11:00 to 13:00, the index holds steady at this maximum level, reminding us of the importance of sunscreen during these hours. After the peak, it begins to descend but remains notable, dropping to 12 at 14:00 and tapering off to 4 by 16:00. As daylight wanes into the evening, the index concludes with a gentle dip back to 1 by 18:00 and ultimately 0 at 19:00. This highlights the essential need for sun safety throughout the day, especially during the peak hours from 10:00 to 15:00.
| 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 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index in the region displays consistently extreme levels, with values mostly hovering between 12 and 16. The months of February, March, and April show peak UV indices of 16, which indicates the highest risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. High-risk months include these peak months alongside January and May, where the index remains notably elevated. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures, such as seeking shade, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing, especially during midday hours, as burn times remain as brief as 10 minutes year-round. Staying informed and vigilant can help mitigate the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure in this region.
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 |
| Yabelo | 14 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
| Addis Ababa UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |