UV Index in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Maiduguri, Nigeria, is vital for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. As a city situated in a semi-arid climate, Maiduguri experiences high levels of UV radiation, particularly during midday hours. With UV Index values peaking at 13 around noon, awareness of these levels can help you take protective measures, ensuring safe outdoor activities. Knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen can significantly reduce the risk of skin damage, allowing you to enjoy the sunny days that Maiduguri has to offer while protecting your skin's long-term health.

Hourly UV Index in Maiduguri

The UV Index data for the day reveals a striking pattern of solar intensity. Starting at 07:00, the index begins modestly at 1, presenting a relatively low risk for sun exposure. As the sun climbs higher, the index escalates rapidly, peaking at 13 at 12:00, indicating a high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon rolls in, the UV Index gracefully declines, tapering to 6 by 15:00 and dropping further to 1 by 17:00. The sunset brings a close to the day with a final reading of 0 at 19:00. This pattern highlights the importance of sun protection during the midday hours to ensure skin safety under the blazing sun!

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
08:003moderate30 min
09:005moderate30 min
10:009very high15 min
11:0011extreme10 min
12:0013extreme10 min
13:0012extreme10 min
14:0010very high15 min
15:006high25 min
16:003moderate30 min
17:001low45 min
18:001low45 min
19:000low45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Maiduguri

During the year, UV index levels demonstrate significant seasonal changes, peaking in the warmer months. The highest risk months for UV exposure are March through September, with UV Index values ranging from 12 to 13 and classified as extreme for most of this period. Consequently, the recommended burn time is a mere 10 minutes. In contrast, January, November, and December see a slight decrease in UV levels, categorized as very high, allowing for a longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures, especially during the high-risk months, by applying sunscreen regularly, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible to minimize UV exposure and its associated risks.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Maiduguri, Nigeria

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Maiduguri. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec10121312121113131210109
Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Maiduguri, 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 Maiduguri UV Index with Other Nigeria Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Maiduguri 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.
Maiduguri's solar exposure compared to other cities in Nigeria. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Lagos UVI1010111312111111121198
Port Harcourt UVI10111114121111111212109
Ibadan UVI1011121412121212131199
Kano UVI101213111111121312111010
Maiduguri10121312121113131311109
Kaduna UVI101212121112131313111010