Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Niamtougou, Togo, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful solar radiation. With intense midday sun peaks—reaching a staggering UV Index of 13 around noon—awareness of these levels can effectively prevent sunburn and protect long-term skin health. Given the region’s Aw climate, characterized by warm temperatures and substantial sunlight, residents and visitors alike should be vigilant about UV exposure risks throughout the day. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Togolese sunshine while prioritizing your skin’s well-being!
As the sun rises over the horizon, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 at 07:00, gradually increasing as the day unfolds. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 6, prompting sun seekers to take note. The intensity peaks at 12:00 with a striking 13, marking the sun’s zenith, before slowly declining throughout the afternoon. At 13:00, it sits at 11, and by 15:00, it drops to 5, signaling a more manageable exposure for those outdoors. The sun begins to retreat, and by 17:00, the index falls back to 1, finally settling at 0 by 19:00, as evening approaches. This hourly dance of the UV Index not only highlights the day's sunlit energy but also serves as a reminder for sun safety throughout the day.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
During the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, with the highest readings occurring from March to September. Notably, September peaks with a UV Index of 14, reflecting an extreme exposure category where the burn time is just 10 minutes. For visitors and residents, it is crucial to recognize that January through April continue to show extreme UV levels of 11 to 13, maintaining a consistent risk for skin damage with a burn time of only 10 minutes. Furthermore, even during the fall and winter months of November and December, UV levels drop to 10 but still remain in the very high category, extending burn times to 15 minutes. Therefore, it is essential to protect your skin year-round, particularly from March to September, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lome UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Niamtougou | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| Atakpame UVI | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| Kara UVI | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| Kpalime UVI | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| Sokode UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |