Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Ziway, Ethiopia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin under the bright African sun. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and promotes overall skin health, which is particularly important as Ziway experiences significant sunshine year-round. With a climate zone of Cwb, residents and visitors are exposed to varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking around midday when the index can reach an alarming 13. Whether you're working outdoors or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings, staying informed about UV exposure risks is essential for safeguarding your skin and enjoying all that Ziway has to offer.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a low of 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it gently climbs to 2, setting the stage for the day's peak. A steady increase brings us to 5 by 09:00, but the real intensity hits at 10:00, with the UV Index soaring to 8. The midday sun reaches its zenith at 11:00, where we peak at 11, and it continues to blaze at 12:00 with a staggering 13. As the afternoon sets in, the index begins its descent, recording 12 at 13:00 and gradually tapering off to 10 at 14:00. By 15:00, it slips down to 7, then further declines to 4 at 16:00. After a reprieve, the index drops to 2 at 17:00, finally settling back to a tranquil 1 by 18:00 and 0 at 19:00. This ebb and flow of the UV Index serves as a reminder of the sun’s powerful grip throughout the day, urging us to stay protected during the peak hours.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 shows extreme levels throughout the year, with consistently high readings from January to April, peaking at 16 in April. March and August also register a significant 15. The high-risk months are from February to April, where the UV Index maintains a level of 15 or higher, impelling both visitors and residents to take caution. Despite the slight decrease in index values from June to December, the UV exposure remains a serious concern with burn times consistently around 10 minutes during all months. It is advisable for everyone to use protective measures, such as sunscreen, hats, and clothing to minimize UV exposure, especially during midday when the sun's rays are most intense.
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 |
| Ziway | 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 |