UV Index in Wau, South Sudan

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Wau, South Sudan, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a significant role in reducing long-term skin damage and diseases. The city's Aw climate brings intense sunlight, particularly around midday hours when UV exposure peaks with a maximum index of 13, posing serious risks if precautions aren't taken. By keeping a close eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors can make proactive choices to enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding their skin health.

Hourly UV Index in Wau

The UV Index for the day showcases a dynamic shift in sun intensity, peaking at 1 PM with a remarkable 13. As the morning unfolds, the index gradually climbs from a low 1 at 7 AM, reaching 5 by 9 AM. The sun's power ramps up significantly, hitting 9 by 10 AM and cresting at 12 and 13 during the late morning and noon hours. However, by mid-afternoon, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to 10 at 2 PM, then sliding to 6 by 3 PM, before tapering off to 3 at 4 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index falls back to 1 by 5 PM, and finally rests at 0 after 7 PM, signaling a golden opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while taking sun safety precautions during the height of the day!

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	5	moderate	30 min
10:00	9	very high	15 min
11:00	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	10	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Wau

The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking during the spring and summer months. From January to October, the index consistently falls in the extreme category, particularly from April to September, where it reaches a maximum of 14. This indicates a critical time for potential skin damage, with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes in these months. November and December see a slight decrease in UV levels, classified as very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Therefore, visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures during the high-risk months, especially between April and September, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Wau, South Sudan

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

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

Wau's solar exposure compared to other cities in South Sudan. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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	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 UVI	13	14	15	15	14	13	12	13	13	12	12	11