Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Bargaal, Somalia, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense due to its hot desert climate (BWh). Being aware of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health. With peak UV Index values reaching a striking 13 during midday, it's important to take proper precautions to reduce your risk of overexposure. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply spending time in the sun, knowing how to navigate the UV Index can help you enjoy Bargaal's beautiful weather while protecting your skin.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at 13 around 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM—a clear indication that it's crucial to protect your skin during those hours. Early morning starts with a more manageable UV Index of 2 at 07:00, gradually climbing to a moderate 4 by 08:00. By 09:00, it escalates to 7, signaling that sun safety measures should become a priority. The intensity is undeniable, reaching its maximum at 10:00 AM with a blistering 10, before slightly tapering off in the afternoon. By 15:00, the UV exposure decreases to 5, and by 17:00, it falls to 1, signaling the end of the day's high UV risk. Finally, as the sun sets, the UV Index drops to 0 by 19:00, providing a welcome reprieve from the sun’s harsh rays. Stay vigilant and protect your skin during the peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels remain consistently high, with extreme exposure categories observed from January to November. The highest UV readings occur from March to August, where the index peaks at 15 in March and April and 14 in February and August. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during these high-risk months, as burn times are as short as 10 minutes across most months, diminishing only slightly to 15 minutes in December. To protect against severe skin damage, it is imperative to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours, especially from March through September. Adequate precautions are essential to mitigate the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berbera UVI | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 |
| Bargaal | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
| Marka UVI | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 |
| Mogadishu UVI | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 |
| Kismayo UVI | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
| Hargeysa UVI | 13 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 11 |