UV Index in Onitsha, Nigeria

Last updated: August 1, 2025

In Onitsha, Nigeria, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin against harmful sun exposure. Understanding the daily UV levels allows residents to take proactive measures against sunburn and promote overall skin health. Onitsha, with its tropical Aw climate, experiences high UV intensity, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the Index can soar to 12. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the vibrant sunshine of Onitsha while minimizing your risk of skin damage.

Hourly UV Index in Onitsha

As the day unfolds, the UV Index reveals its stark fluctuations, reaching its peak at 1 PM with a striking 12, signaling the need for sun protection. The morning starts slowly with a max of 1 at 7 AM, gradually rising to 4 by 9 AM, and then surging to 11 by noon. The intensity reaches its zenith at 10 in the late morning, followed by a slight decrease to 10 at 2 PM, before tapering off to 4 by 4 PM and settling back to a safe 0 by 7 PM. Remember to stay safe and shield yourself from harmful rays during the peak hours! 🌞

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.
TimeUVICategoryTime to Burn
07:001low45 min
08:002low45 min
09:004moderate30 min
10:007high25 min
11:0010very high15 min
12:0011extreme10 min
13:0011extreme10 min
14:0010very high15 min
15:007high25 min
16:004moderate30 min
17:002low45 min
18:001low45 min
19:000low45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Onitsha

Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, with January and February marking the beginning of high-risk months as the UV Index peaks at 11 and 10, respectively. The danger escalates as March through September experience consistently high values between 11 and 13, categorized as extreme, which results in a burn time as short as 10 minutes. October also maintains a high UV Index of 12 before dipping to 9 in November and December, where the exposure category shifts back to very high. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and applying sunscreen frequently to mitigate the risk of skin damage from ultraviolet radiation.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Onitsha, Nigeria

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Onitsha. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1011111312111211121299
Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Onitsha, 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 Onitsha UV Index with Other Nigeria Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Onitsha compares to other major locations across Nigeria. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.
Onitsha's solar exposure compared to other cities in Nigeria. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Lagos UVI1010111312111111121198
Port Harcourt UVI10111114121111111212109
Onitsha1011111312111211121299
Ibadan UVI1011121412121212131199
Kano UVI101213111111121312111010
Kaduna UVI101212121112131313111010