Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Adigrat, Ethiopia, where the sun's intensity can vary significantly throughout the day. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 14, awareness of these readings is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health. Adigrat's semi-arid climate (BSk) contributes to substantial UV exposure, especially during the midday hours, making it essential to take appropriate precautions. By monitoring UV levels, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity as the day progresses. Morning kicks off with a low index of 1 at 07:00, a gentle start that quickly picks up momentum. By 09:00, it reaches 6, hinting that it’s time to consider some sun protection. The peak occurs at 12:00, when the index skyrockets to 14, indicating exceptionally high UV levels—perfect for keeping those sunscreen bottles handy! As the afternoon rolls in, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 11 at 14:00 and descending steadily thereafter. By evening, the UV Index dwindles to 0 at 19:00, inviting everyone to unwind as the sun retreats. This data serves as a reminder to stay vigilant under the midday sun and enjoy the outdoors while being sun-smart!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index remains consistently high throughout most of the year, emphasizing the need for sun safety measures. From January to April, the UV Index peaks at 15, indicating extreme exposure risk and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. May and August see slightly lower indices of 14 and 12, while June, July, September, and October remain in the extreme category but show slight variances in UV levels. The high-risk months are thus considered to be March to April, where the UV Index reaches its maximum at 15. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during these peak months to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. In December, the UV levels drop to 10, but given that it is still rated as very high, vigilance remains essential throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adigrat | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
| 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 |