UV Index in Marka, Somalia

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Marka, Somalia, as it provides vital information about the sun's intensity and its potential impact on skin health. Awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, significantly benefiting overall well-being. Marka, characterized by a BSh climate, experiences high UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the index peaks at 14. Embracing this knowledge will empower you to enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects.

Hourly UV Index in Marka

The UV Index rises dramatically throughout the morning, jumping from a mild 1 at 07:00 to a peak of 14 by 12:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the intensity surpasses 10 between 10:00 and 13:00, signaling an urgent need for sun protection. The index then gracefully declines, dropping to 5 by 15:00 and falling progressively to 0 as evening approaches, marking the day's end at 19:00. This pattern highlights the importance of staying shielded during the peak hours, especially from 11:00 to 13:00, when the sun's rays are at their strongest.

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	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	6	high	25 min
10:00	10	very high	15 min
11:00	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Marka

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Marka, Somalia

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Marka compares to other major locations across Somalia. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Marka's solar exposure compared to other cities in Somalia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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