Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Chakwama, Nigeria, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburns. Understanding UV levels helps residents protect themselves from the sun's harmful rays, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to a staggering 13. Given Chakwama's semi-arid climate, where sunshine is abundant, awareness of UV exposure risks is essential. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the beautiful weather while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a low of 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it gently climbs to 2, setting the stage for the day's peak. A steady increase brings us to 5 by 09:00, but the real intensity hits at 10:00, with the UV Index soaring to 8. The midday sun reaches its zenith at 11:00, where we peak at 11, and it continues to blaze at 12:00 with a staggering 13. As the afternoon sets in, the index begins its descent, recording 12 at 13:00 and gradually tapering off to 10 at 14:00. By 15:00, it slips down to 7, then further declines to 4 at 16:00. After a reprieve, the index drops to 2 at 17:00, finally settling back to a tranquil 1 by 18:00 and 0 at 19:00. This ebb and flow of the UV Index serves as a reminder of the sun’s powerful grip throughout the day, urging us to stay protected during the peak 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 | 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 levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring between February and October. The months of March through October consistently have an extreme exposure category, with UV Index values peaking at 13 in July, August, and September. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during these high-risk months, as the burn time is as short as 10 minutes during peak UV exposure. Protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, as well as seeking shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., are strongly advised to minimize the risk of skin damage and sunburn. In contrast, the winter months (November to January) still present a very high UV risk, with burn times of up to 15 minutes, suggesting that vigilance is necessary even in cooler seasons.
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 |
| Chakwama | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 10 |