Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Abakaliki, Nigeria, where the sun’s intensity can spike to dangerous levels. With a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and significant sunshine, it's vital to be aware of UV levels to prevent sunburn and safeguard skin health. During peak hours, particularly between 11 AM and 1 PM, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 12, which significantly increases the risk of skin damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, ensuring a healthier and safer outdoor experience in the vibrant city of Abakaliki.
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 |
The data reveals significant seasonal changes in UV exposure throughout the year. January to April experiences the highest UV Index values, with February and March peaking at 11 and maintaining this level until July, making these months particularly high-risk for sunburn, with a burn time of just 10 minutes in extreme conditions. The UV Index peaks at 13 in April, signaling a critical time for outdoor activities. June through September remains dangerous, holding steady at 12 before slightly decreasing in October. As we transition to November and December, the UV Index drops to 9, but caution is still advised, as the exposure remains in the very high category with burn times returning to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are encouraged to take protective measures during all months, especially from February to October, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| Abakaliki | 10 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 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 |