Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Gwandu, Nigeria, where the intense sun can pose significant health risks. Awareness of UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and promoting long-term skin health, as even a brief exposure during peak hours can lead to harmful effects. With Gwandu's BSh climate, characterized by strong sunlight and high UV radiation, locals must stay informed about daily UV forecasts to safeguard their wellbeing. As the UV Index can soar to 11—a level considered extreme—it's vital to take precautions when outdoors, ensuring a safe and enjoyable time under the sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent. At 07:00, it starts low at 1, indicating a safe level for outdoor activities. By 08:00, it ticks up to 2, still manageable for most. By 09:00, the intensity increases to 4, prompting sun protection for fair-skinned individuals. As the clock strikes 10:00, the UV Index elevates to 6, which signals caution, especially for prolonged exposure. The peak arrives around 12:00 and 13:00, where it reaches a soaring 11, marking an extreme risk. From 14:00, the numbers slowly begin to decline, dropping to 9 by 15:00, and further to 6 at 16:00. As the day winds down, 17:00 sees it at 2, and finally, it settles at 0 by 19:00, allowing everyone to enjoy the evening without UV worries. Always remember to stay protected during peak hours!
| 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 | 6 | 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months predominantly occurring from March to September when the index peaks at 14 in August and remains consistently high. During this period, the exposure category is classified as extreme, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. January and November experience a slight decrease in risk, categorized as very high with a longer burn time of 15 minutes. As such, it is essential for both visitors and residents to take precautions during these peak months. Wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during midday hours can help minimize the risk of UV exposure. Always stay informed about daily UV levels to ensure safety while enjoying outdoor activities.
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 |
| Gwandu | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
| Kaduna UVI | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 10 |