Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents of Mafa, Nigeria, where the intense BSh climate presents unique sun exposure risks. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to a high of 13 around noon. As temperatures rise and the sun's rays intensify, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in maintaining your well-being under the African sun.
The UV Index presents a dynamic story throughout the day, beginning with a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, ideal for a morning stroll. As the sun rises, the intensity increases, hitting 3 by 8:00 AM and reaching 5 at 9:00 AM—a sign that sunscreen should start making an appearance. The peak comes between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, soaring to a striking 11 and then a maximum of 13 at noon, signaling a time when direct sun exposure can be particularly harmful. A gradual decline follows, with the index dropping to 9 by 2:00 PM, and easing back to 1 as evening approaches, reminding us to seek shade during the hottest hours. As the day winds down, the index concludes at 0 by 7:00 PM, inviting a leisurely night's rest.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 fluctuations throughout the year, with extreme levels dominating from February to October, when it reaches a peak of 13 in March, July, August, and September. During these months, the burn time is notably short at just 10 minutes, indicating a high risk for sunburn and skin damage. Conversely, January, November, and December present a lower UV Index, categorized as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautionary measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, particularly in the high-risk months from February to October when UV exposure is at its most intense.
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 |
Mafa | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 |