Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Ile-Ife, Nigeria, where the sun's intensity can pose real risks to skin health. With high UV levels peaking at noon, awareness of these fluctuations helps in preventing harmful effects like sunburn and long-term skin damage. Given the city's tropical Aw climate, where sunny days are prevalent, knowing when to seek shade, wear protective clothing, or apply sunscreen can make a significant difference in safeguarding yourself from overexposure. Stay informed and proactive to enjoy the sun safely in Ile-Ife!
As the sun rises, the UVI begins its climb, with a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it gently increases to 2, making early morning outings quite pleasant. The intensity ramps up quickly, hitting 4 at 09:00 and then surging to 6 by 10:00. The true peak arrives during midday, as the index soars to a blistering 12 between 12:00 and 13:00, signaling a prime time for sun protection. After this apex, the UVI starts to decline, dropping to 10 at 14:00 and gradually easing to 7 by 15:00. Post-peak hours see a further retreat, resting at 4 at 16:00, cooling off to 2 by 17:00, before settling back to 1 at 18:00 and finally fading to 0 after sunset at 19:00. Monitor the UVI closely to ensure safe sun exposure throughout the day!
| 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 | 12 | 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 index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, with the highest risks typically occurring from February to October. These months, especially from March to September, consistently present an extreme exposure category with UV indices peaking at 14 in April and remaining dangerously high at 12-13 from May to September. During this period, the burn time is a rapid 10 minutes, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to minimize sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen diligently, particularly during these high-risk months. For those outdoors in January, November, and December, although the index is lower, with readings of 9-10, caution is still advised as these months still present a very high exposure risk with burn times of 15 minutes.
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 |
| Ile-Ife | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 10 |
| Kaduna UVI | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 10 |