Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Yei, South Sudan, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's Aw climate, residents experience intense sun exposure, especially during peak hours when UV levels can reach an alarming 14 at noon. This heightened risk for sunburn underscores the importance of being proactive about sun protection. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take timely precautions to minimize skin damage and enjoy the sun safely, ensuring your outdoor activities remain pleasurable without compromising your health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, providing a safe environment for early risers. By 8:00 AM, it ramps up to 4, signaling the need for a bit of caution during outdoor activities. The intensity peaks sharply at 10:00 AM with a staggering 11, reaching its climax at 12:00 PM with a blistering 14. This midday sun demands protective measures as UV exposure can be harmful. The intensity gradually declines after 1:00 PM, dropping to 9 by 2:00 PM, and steadily winds down to 5 at 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the UV Index falls to a mild 2 at 4:00 PM and drops to a safe 1 by 5:00 PM. Finally, the sun sets its golden rays, and by 6:00 PM, the UV Index sits at 0, heralding the end of a sun-drenched day.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | 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 |
The seasonal UV changes indicate that from January to May, the UV Index consistently peaks between 13 and 15, categorizing exposure as extreme with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This high-risk period continues into June and July but sees a slight decline in the UV index, settling at 12 and 13, respectively. August and September maintain similar levels, reinforcing the need for caution. The risk gradually decreases as we move into October and November, where the UV Index lowers to 12 and 12, and finally to 11 in December. Given these figures, it is highly recommended for visitors and residents to take protective measures, especially during the months of January through May, when the chances of sunburn are at their highest. Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours to minimize UV exposure and ensure safety throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malakal UVI | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| Winejok UVI | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| Wau UVI | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| Juba UVI | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
| Yei | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 |