Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Accra, Ghana, understanding the UV Index isn't just insightful—it's essential for protecting your skin and overall health. With the sun peaking in intensity during the midday hours, awareness of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin issues. Accra's tropical savanna climate means that UV exposure is a consistent risk, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the index can soar as high as 13. By staying informed about UV conditions, you can enjoy the sun while safeguarding your skin from its harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a clear peak around midday, starting with a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. As the sun rises, the index climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 8:00 AM, and escalating to a significant 12 at 11:00 AM. The highest reading of 13 occurs at noon, marking the moment when sun protection is most crucial. It then begins to decline, with the index falling to 5 by 3:00 PM before tapering off further to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data illustrates the importance of staying sun smart during those peak hours from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, emphasizing the need for sunscreen and protective clothing to safely enjoy the outdoors.
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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, peaking in the spring and summer months. From January to March, UV exposure starts very high to extreme, but it escalates further in April and May with an index of 14 and 13, respectively. The high-risk months from March to October consistently show extreme levels, with burn times as short as 10 minutes throughout this period. Consequently, visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours, to reduce the risk of harmful UV exposure. As the year progresses into November and December, the UV Index begins to decline, though caution should still be exercised as levels remain very high.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Accra | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Atsiaman UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Takoradi UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Kumasi UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Tamale UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |