UV Index in Abuja, Nigeria

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Abuja, Nigeria, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health in a region that bask in plenty of sunshine. Understanding UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also supports long-term skin health, reducing the risk of serious conditions. With Abuja's climate categorized as Aw (tropical savanna), residents and visitors face significant UV exposure, especially during peak hours when indices soar to as high as 11. Staying informed about daily UV levels enables you to take proactive steps in safeguarding your skin against the sun's harmful rays.

Hourly UV Index in Abuja

The UV Index for the day presents a clear picture of sun intensity, starting off gentle in the early hours. At 7:00 AM, it begins at a mild 1, increasing to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index climbs rapidly; by 10:00 AM, it reaches 7 and peaks at an intense 11 around 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. After this zenith, the levels gradually decline, dropping to 9 by 2:00 PM, 6 at 3:00 PM, and settling back to a safe 1 by 5:00 PM. The UV exposure diminishes further, reaching a low of 0 by 7:00 PM. Stay protected during those peak hours!

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
08:002low45 min
09:004moderate30 min
10:007high25 min
11:0010very high15 min
12:0011extreme10 min
13:0011extreme10 min
14:009very high15 min
15:006high25 min
16:003moderate30 min
17:001low45 min
18:001low45 min
19:000low45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Abuja

The UV Index experiences its highest levels during the spring and summer months, peaking at 13 in July, August, and September, indicative of extreme exposure, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. January through June also show notably high UV values, maintaining an extreme category of 11 to 12. As the seasons transition into fall and winter, the index drops to 10 in November and December, rated as very high, with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months, particularly from March through October, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen liberally to safeguard against skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Abuja, Nigeria

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Abuja. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec111212121112131313121010
Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Abuja, 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 Abuja UV Index with Other Nigeria Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Abuja 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.
Abuja'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
Kaduna UVI101212121112131313111010
Abuja111212121212131313121010