Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Atbara, Sudan, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. As residents enjoy the warm climate of the BWh zone, it's vital to be aware of daily UV levels to prevent sunburn and safeguard long-term skin health. With peak UV readings reaching a max of 11 around midday, this index is particularly important for those who spend time outdoors. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely and reduce the risk of skin damage.
The ultraviolet (UV) index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern of sun intensity. Starting at 07:00, the UV index is a modest 2, indicating the sun is just beginning to gain strength. As the morning progresses, it climbs steadily to 4 by 08:00 and reaches a notable 6 at 09:00, signaling a push towards peak hours. At 10:00, the intensity peaks at 9, and by 11:00 and 12:00, it hits a maximum of 11, marking the sun’s strongest exposure. Though the afternoon remains considerable, the index declines to 10 at 13:00 before dropping to 7 by 14:00. As the day winds down, the UV index falls sharply to 4 at 15:00, and later to 2 by 16:00, concluding with softening values of 1 at 17:00 and 18:00, and finally settling at 0 by 19:00. This hourly progression underscores the importance of sun safety during midday hours when UV levels are at their peak.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the first half of the year. From February to May, the index reaches an extreme level of 11 to 13, with a critical burn time of just 10 minutes, highlighting it as a high-risk period for sun exposure. Particularly in March and April, when the UV index remains consistently at 13, caution should be emphasized for both residents and visitors. As summer transitions to fall, the UV levels drop slightly, remaining very high in October and November at 9 and 10, with a burn time of 15 minutes. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during these high-risk months to minimize the risks associated with UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Sudan UVI | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Atbara | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Omdurman UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| Khartoum UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| Kassala UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
| Nyala UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 |