Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Kwale, Nigeria, where the tropical climate exposes individuals to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day. With peak UV levels soaring as high as 11 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. By tracking the UV Index, you can better protect yourself against harmful effects, making it easier to enjoy Kwale's beautiful outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, starting at a mild level of 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it escalates to a moderate 4, making it advisable to take precautions if you're spending time outdoors. The peak occurs between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, when the index hits a scorching 11, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this peak, the index steadily declines; by 3:00 PM, it drops to a safer 7, and by 5:00 PM, it further falls to 2. As the sun sets, the UV intensity diminishes to 1 at 6:00 PM and finally drops to 0 by 7:00 PM, making evening outings much safer. Be sun-smart during the peak hours to protect your skin!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, peaking during the spring and summer months. January and November experience a very high exposure category with an index of 10 and a burn time of 15 minutes, while December shows a slightly lower index of 9. The high-risk months are from February to September, where the UV Index frequently reaches 11 to 14, all categorized as extreme, with a critical burn time of just 10 minutes for maximal exposure. Given this data, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take protective measures during these high-risk periods, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun's rays are 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 |
Kwale | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 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 |