Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Tamale, Ghana, is crucial for fostering awareness about sun safety in this vibrant city. With a warm Aw climate, residents and visitors alike face significant UV exposure, particularly during peak hours when levels soar to a maximum of 12. Recognizing the importance of UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for promoting overall skin health. Being informed can help you take necessary precautions to enjoy the sunshine safely, avoiding long-term damage and minimizing risks associated with high UV days. Stay aware, stay safe, and enjoy the radiant beauty of Tamale!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 3, indicating a slight increase in UV exposure. The intensity peaks dramatically at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, both reaching a scorching 12, signaling strong sunlight; this is the time for precaution! As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels gradually descend, with readings of 11 at 1:00 PM and tapering off to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index returns to safer levels, dropping to 1 by 5:00 PM and fading to 0 by 7:00 PM, reminding us of the sun's fleeting power and the importance of sun safety during the brightest hours.
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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the warmer months. From January to March, the UV levels are very high to extreme, with burn times as short as 10-15 minutes. The risk escalates dramatically from April through September, where the UV Index consistently reaches 12-13 and the exposure category is classified as extreme, equating to a burn time of just 10 minutes. High-risk months include February to October, with the extreme UV levels posing a serious threat for sunburn and skin damage. Residents and visitors should take precautions, such as wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sunlight hours. As we move into November and December, the UV levels slightly decrease, though they still remain very high, reminding everyone to stay vigilant year-round.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Atsiaman UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Accra 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 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |