UV Index in Zaria, Nigeria

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Zaria, Nigeria is essential for protecting your skin and health under the hot sun. With its Aw climate, Zaria experiences higher UV levels, particularly around midday when the index peaks at 12. Being aware of these UV levels can help you take necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring you enjoy outdoor activities safely. As UV radiation can vary significantly throughout the day, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is crucial for everyone in this vibrant region. Stay informed and keep your skin safe!

Hourly UV Index in Zaria

The UV Index throughout the day showcases a distinct peak at 12:00 PM, reaching a maximum of 12, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs to a moderate 4 by 9:00 AM, before hitting 7 at 10:00 AM. The mid-morning sun warms up significantly, pushing the index to an intense 10 at 11:00 AM. As noon approaches, sunbathers should be particularly cautious as the UV Index peaks. Post noon, the levels begin to decline, with 11 at 1:00 PM, followed by a noticeable drop to 9 at 2:00 PM. By the later afternoon, the index returns to more moderate levels of 6 at 3:00 PM and continues to decrease, touching 0 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest!

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.
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	10	very high	15 min
12:00	12	extreme	10 min
13:00	11	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	very high	15 min
15:00	6	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Zaria

During the year, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, showcasing high-risk months particularly from February to September, where values reach extreme levels of 11 to 13. Notably, July and August represent the peak of UV exposure, with an index of 13, indicating only a 10-minute burn time. Conversely, the burn time increases to 15 minutes in the low-risk months of January, November, and December. As a precaution, both visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety practices during high UV months—seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to minimize the risk of skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Zaria, Nigeria

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Zaria. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Zaria, 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 Zaria UV Index with Other Nigeria Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Zaria 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.

Zaria's solar exposure compared to other cities in Nigeria. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Zaria	10	11	12	12	11	12	13	13	12	11	10	10
Kaduna UVI	10	12	12	12	11	12	13	13	13	11	10	10