UV Index in Niamey, Niger

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Niamey, Niger, especially in a region characterized by its BSh climate, which brings intense sunlight and varying UV exposure throughout the day. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 13 around midday, it’s essential to be aware of the risks associated with high UV exposure, such as sunburn, long-term skin damage, and increased skin cancer risk. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can take necessary precautions to protect your skin and promote overall health, ensuring that your time outdoors is both enjoyable and safe.

Hourly UV Index in Niamey

The UV Index today presents a compelling narrative of midday intensity. Starting off gently at 1 during the early hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, the sun's power gradually builds, reaching 3 by 9:00 AM. As the day progresses, the UV levels peak dramatically, hitting a striking 12 at 12:00 PM and soaring to an impressive 13 by 1:00 PM—a clear indicator of the sun's strength. After this zenith, the index begins to decline, dropping to 9 at 3:00 PM, and continuing down to 1 by the evening hours starting at 6:00 PM. For those venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to protect yourself during the midday hours when the sun's rays are at their most potent.

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	1	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	6	high	25 min
11:00	10	very high	15 min
12:00	12	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	12	extreme	10 min
15:00	9	very high	15 min
16:00	5	moderate	30 min
17:00	3	moderate	30 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Niamey

The UV Index demonstrates notable seasonal changes, with the highest readings occurring from March to September, categorized as extreme with a consistent index of 12 to 13 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months clearly include February through October, where exposure can lead to significant skin damage in a short period. In contrast, January, November, and December exhibit slightly lower indices, categorized as very high, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. To safeguard against UV exposure, visitors and residents should prioritize wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, especially during the extreme months.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Niamey, Niger

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Niamey. 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 Niamey, 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 Niamey UV Index with Other Niger Cities

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

Niamey's solar exposure compared to other cities in Niger. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Alaghsas UVI	9	10	11	13	12	12	11	12	11	10	9	8
Agadez UVI	9	10	11	13	12	12	11	12	11	10	9	8
Maradi UVI	10	11	13	12	11	11	13	13	12	11	10	10
Niamey	10	12	13	12	11	12	13	13	12	11	10	9
Zinder UVI	10	11	13	13	12	12	13	13	12	11	10	10