Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Gwoza, Nigeria, where the sun shines fiercely throughout the year. With a hot semi-arid climate, Gwoza experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when the UV Index can reach a staggering 12—indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health, as even brief exposure can lead to painful burns and increase the risk of skin cancer. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can better protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts with a mild rating of 1, making it safe for morning activities. However, as the sun rises, it quickly gains intensity, peaking at a striking 12 by 12:00—the highest point of the day. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 and 13:00, with a critical UV level of 11 at 11:00. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to wane, dropping to 8 by 14:00, and further declining to 5 by 15:00. By 17:00, the UV Index decreases to a safer 1, paving the way for evening activities under less harsh sunlight. As night falls, the UV activity fades to 0 at 19:00, offering a gentle reminder of the sun's powerful presence during the day.
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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 8 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months typically between March and October. During this period, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 13 in July, August, and September, where the burn time is just 10 minutes. Conversely, January and February have very high exposure categories but with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. As a result, visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during these high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lagos UVI | 10 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
Port Harcourt UVI | 10 | 11 | 11 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Ibadan UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 |
Kano UVI | 10 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
Kaduna UVI | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
Gwoza | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |