UV Index in Axum, Ethiopia

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Axum, Ethiopia, as it plays a significant role in safeguarding skin health and preventing sunburn. With its BSh climate, Axum experiences high solar exposure, particularly during midday hours when the UV levels can reach their peak, soaring to a staggering 14 around noon. By being aware of the daily UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself from harmful UV radiation, ensuring your outdoor activities are both safe and enjoyable. So whether you're exploring historic sites or soaking in the vibrant culture, keeping an eye on the UV levels can help you stay healthy under the Ethiopian sun!

Hourly UV Index in Axum

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it reaches 3, signaling a gradual increase in sun intensity. The real surge happens between 09:00 and 13:00, peaking at a blistering 14 at both 12:00 and 13:00, urging outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade and apply sunscreen. As the afternoon wanes, there's a rapid decline; by 15:00, it drops to 7, and by 18:00, it plummets to 1, finally resting at 0 by 19:00. This dynamic pattern underscores the importance of staying vigilant during peak hours to safeguard against harmful UV exposure while enjoying the bright day!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	9	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Axum

The UV Index in this region reveals significant seasonal variation, with consistently extreme levels throughout most of the year. From January to May, the index peaks at 15, posing a high risk for sunburn with an exposure time of just 10 minutes. June through August sees slightly reduced indices, fluctuating between 12 and 14, but the burn time remains the same. By September to November, the index begins to taper off slightly, culminating in a very high index of 10 in December, allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes. The high-risk months particularly include March, April, and May, which require visitors and residents to take essential precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen frequently, to avoid harmful UV exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Axum, Ethiopia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Axum. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Axum, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Axum UV Index with Other Ethiopia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Axum compares to other major locations across Ethiopia. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Axum's solar exposure compared to other cities in Ethiopia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Axum	12	13	15	15	15	12	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