Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Marka, Somalia, where the sun can be particularly intense due to its BSh climate. As UV levels peak around midday, it's crucial to stay informed to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. With maximum UV Index values soaring to 12 during the hottest hours, knowledge of these levels can help you make informed decisions about sun exposure, ensuring both your comfort and safety while enjoying the beautiful coastal setting of Marka. Stay vigilant and take the necessary precautions as the sun's rays can pose significant risks even on seemingly mild days.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic rise and fall in intensity, peaking at 12 around noon. Starting from a mild 1 at 07:00, it escalates to a noticeable 5 by 09:00 and skyrockets to a sizzling 11 at 11:00. The highest point occurs just after lunchtime, hitting 12 at 12:00, marking the most critical time for sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, tapering off to 5 by 15:00, before retreating back to a safe 1 by 17:00. By 19:00, the UV Index drops to a 0, signaling a transition from day to night, reminding us to stay vigilant about sun safety during those peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains predominantly high, peaking between January and March with values reaching up to 15, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The months of February and March are particularly critical, as they maintain the highest UV levels, making them essential for sunscreen application and protective measures. Even during June to August, although the UV Index drops slightly to 12, the burn time remains consistently short at just 10 minutes, reinforcing the need for vigilance. As autumn approaches, the UV Index gradually decreases, yet values in October and November still suggest an extreme exposure category. Therefore, it is advisable for residents and visitors alike to take precautions year-round, with particular attention to high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize skin damage.
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 | 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 |