Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Berbera, Somalia, where the sun's strength can pose significant risks to skin health. With the city's BWh climate, the UV levels can reach a maximum of 13 during peak hours, leading to increased chances of sunburn and long-term skin issues without proper protection. Awareness of these levels not only helps prevent immediate sunburn but also promotes overall skin safety. Stay informed and safeguard your skin while enjoying the beautiful coastal environment of Berbera!
The UV Index for the day demonstrates a significant rise and fall in intensity, peaking sharply at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a staggering 13. Early in the morning, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, the index starts low at 1, gradually increasing to 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, a rapid escalation occurs, reaching 10 by 10:00 AM and hitting its maximum at noon. After this peak, the index begins to decline, dropping steadily to 9 at 2:00 PM, and later retreating to 1 by 5:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, the UV Index has faded to 0, reminding us of the crucial midday hours to protect our skin from UV exposure.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | 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 | 12 | 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 significant fluctuations throughout the year, predominantly in the extreme range from January to August, with values peaking at 14 in April and August. The months of March, April, July, and August represent the highest risk for UV exposure, requiring vigilant sun protection measures. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months, including wearing sunscreen with a high SPF, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade whenever possible. Even in the fall and winter months, when the UV Index decreases to very high levels in December (10), it remains essential to stay aware of UV exposure to maintain skin health year-round.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Berbera | 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 |
Hargeysa UVI | 13 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 11 |