Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Sankwala, Nigeria, where the climate typically falls within the Aw zone, characterized by intense sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and protects long-term skin health by guiding individuals on when to seek shade or apply sunscreen. With peak UV readings reaching a formidable 13 between noon and 1 PM, the risks of overexposure are significant, highlighting the importance of proactive sun safety measures in this vibrant community.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, hitting a mild 1 by 7:00 AM. The intensity grows steadily, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM and then surging to 5 at 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the index peaks at a robust 8, warning of increasing exposure risk. 11:00 AM sees the UV rays intensify to an impressive 11, leading to a maximum of 13 at 12:00 PM, making it critical to stay protected. The afternoon sun starts to mellow out, dropping to 12 by 1:00 PM, then gradually tapering off to 10 at 2:00 PM, 6 at 3:00 PM, and further declining to 3 at 4:00 PM. Finally, as evening descends, the index falls to 1 by 5:00 PM and remains at that level through 6:00 PM, until fading to 0 after sunset at 7:00 PM. Stay vigilant and shield yourself during those peak midday hours!
| 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 | 13 | 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 |
During the year, UV exposure fluctuates significantly, with January starting at a UV Index of 10 (very high), which quickly escalates to a peak of 13 (extreme) from April through June. The months of February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October all fall within the high-risk category, requiring vigilant sun protection. Notably, burn times are as short as 10 minutes during these peak months, emphasizing the need for sunscreen application, protective clothing, and seeking shade. As the UV Index begins to decrease from November (10) to December (9), the exposure remains very high with burn times of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are urged to remain aware of daily UV levels and take necessary precautions, especially during the high-risk months, to ensure their health and safety 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 |
| 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 |
| Sankwala | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 |