Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Minna, Nigeria, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike take proactive measures to protect themselves from harmful ultraviolet radiation, especially during peak hours of sunlight. With Minna's hot Aw climate, UV exposure can reach dangerously high levels, peaking at an index of 11 around midday. Staying informed about these UV risks empowers you to enjoy the abundant sunshine while minimizing the potential for skin damage.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic increase in intensity, reaching its peak at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a scorching 11. Early morning sees a mild start, with readings of 1 at 7:00 AM and climbing to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the day progresses, the index escalates, hitting 4 by 9:00 AM and a notable 7 at 10:00 AM. The midday sun takes its toll, as the index spikes to 9 by 11:00 AM. Following this, it stabilizes at its zenith of 11 before beginning its descent—dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM and then tapering down to 6 by 3:00 PM. The evening offers a welcome relief with levels declining to 2 at 5:00 PM, and ultimately sinking to 0 by 7:00 PM. This hourly data clearly illustrates the importance of sun protection during peak UV hours, especially from 11 AM to 1 PM when the sun is at its strongest.
| 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 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index displays noticeable seasonal fluctuations, with the highest risk months occurring from June to September, when it reaches an extreme level of 13. During this peak period, the recommended burn time is as short as 10 minutes, indicating the necessity for rigorous sun protection. Notably, February to May also reflects high UV levels, with indices at 12 and a corresponding burn time of 10 minutes. As winter approaches, both November and December show a decrease, with indices at 10 and 9, allowing for burn times of 15 minutes, yet caution is still warranted. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during the peak UV hours from 10 AM to 4 PM, to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Minna | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Kaduna UVI | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 10 |