Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Calabar, Nigeria, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With a climate that typically boasts high levels of UV radiation, particularly during the midday hours when the index can soar to 12, understanding these levels is essential for outdoor enthusiasts and residents alike. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can better protect yourself from harmful effects, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful tropical sun while safeguarding your skin. Remember, even on seemingly mild days, UV rays can be deceptively strong, making awareness vital for a healthy lifestyle in this vibrant city.
The UV Index varies throughout the day, peaking at 12 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, signaling a time for extra sun protection. Before this peak, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, the index climbs from 5 to a striking 11, urging vigilance as the sun intensifies. After hitting 12, the index begins to decline, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM and gradually tapering off to 6 by 3:00 PM. The afternoon sun's intensity mellows further, leading to a safe 3 at 4:00 PM, and finally settling back to a low of 0 by 7:00 PM. Remember, during the peak hours, it's vital to stay protected and enjoy the sunshine safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variations, with highest levels typically occurring from April to September, where the index ranges from 12 to 14, classified as extreme. February to March also show notable high values at 11, indicating an increased risk of skin damage. In particular, the months of April, May, and June are the most critical periods, with consistent burn times of only 10 minutes before skin damage may occur. Residents and visitors should take proactive measures during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade whenever possible. Even during the winter months like January and November, when the UV Index is still very high at 10, caution should be exercised to prevent sunburn and skin damage. Staying informed and vigilant can help ensure safety and well-being under the sun.
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 |
| Calabar | 10 | 11 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 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 |