UV Index in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Port Harcourt, Nigeria, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. The UV Index provides a clear picture of the sun’s intensity throughout the day, enabling residents to take necessary precautions against harmful ultraviolet rays. With a tropical climate characterized by strong sunlight, Port Harcourt often experiences high UV levels, particularly around midday, where readings can soar to 11, indicating extreme exposure risk. Being informed about these levels can help you enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from the long-term effects of sun damage.

Hourly UV Index in Port Harcourt

Experience the sun's intensity with today's UV Index fluctuating throughout the day. Starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00, the index gradually rises, hitting 2 by 08:00. The real surge begins at 09:00, where it spikes to 4, moving to a striking 7 by 10:00. As the clock strikes 11:00, the UV Index peaks at an intense 9 before reaching its maximum at 12:00 and 13:00, where it levels out at an astonishing 11. After the midday zenith, the numbers start to decline: 9 at 14:00, 6 at 15:00, and further down to 4 at 16:00. As the day winds down, the index dwindles, dropping to 2 by 17:00, a gentle 1 at 18:00, and finally resting at 0 by 19:00. Remember to protect yourself during those peak hours when the sun's rays are most potent!

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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Port Harcourt

The seasonal UV changes indicate that the region experiences extreme UV exposure from February through October, with notably high levels peaking in April (UV Index 14). High-risk months include February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October, where the burn time is only 10 minutes during peak hours. Conversely, January, November, and December show a reduction in risk with a UV Index of 10 or lower, allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take necessary precautions during the high-risk months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible to prevent skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Port Harcourt. 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 Port Harcourt, 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 Port Harcourt UV Index with Other Nigeria Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Port Harcourt 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.

Port Harcourt'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	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