UV Index in Mek'ele, Ethiopia

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors in Mek'ele, Ethiopia, where the climate’s dry and sunny disposition poses significant sun exposure risks. With UV levels peaking at 14 during midday hours, awareness of these fluctuations becomes essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. By familiarizing yourself with the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and enjoy the outdoors safely. In Mek'ele, where scorching sun can be deceptively harmful, checking the UV Index is a key step in safeguarding your skin against the intense rays that characterize this stunning region.

Hourly UV Index in Mek'ele

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!

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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Mek'ele

The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with extremely high levels persisting from January to May and continuing through August. The peak UV Index of 15 occurs from March to May, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, where the advised burn time is just 10 minutes. From June to November, the index remains critical, ranging between 10 to 14, while December offers a slight reprieve at 10, but is still categorized as very high with a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these high-risk months, particularly from March through August, by wearing sunblock, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the chances of skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Mek'ele, Ethiopia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Mek'ele. 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 Mek'ele, 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 Mek'ele UV Index with Other Ethiopia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Mek'ele 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.

Mek'ele'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
Mek'ele	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