Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Luuq, Somalia, where the climate falls within the hot BWh category. With UV levels peaking significantly throughout the day, reaching a maximum of 12 around midday, awareness of UV exposure is essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. High UV radiation can lead to immediate damage like sunburns as well as chronic issues, making it vital to monitor these levels. Given the arid conditions and strong sunlight typical in Luuq, proactive measures to protect your skin are not just advisable, but necessary for a healthy outdoor experience.
The UV Index begins the day at a mild level of 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing as the sun rises. By 09:00, it reaches 5, hinting at a more intense solar influence. The real peak occurs between 11:00 and 12:00, where the index skyrockets to an impressive 11 and 12, indicating a strong risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index starts to decline; by 15:00, it drops to 6, and then further decreases to 3 by 16:00. The sun begins to set, and the UV intensity plummets to 1 at 17:00, finally resting at 0 by 19:00. This pattern highlights the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its highest.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences extreme levels throughout the year, with minimal fluctuations. January to May presents the highest readings, peaking at 16 in March. Notably, from February to April, the index remains above 15, categorizing these months as high-risk for UV exposure. June sees a slight decrease to 12, but the extreme exposure category persists until November, where it drops to 12 and then to 11 in December. It is important for both visitors and residents to take precautionary measures year-round, such as wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during these high-risk months when burn time is as short as 10 minutes.
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 |
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 |
Luuq | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 |
Hargeysa UVI | 13 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 11 |