UV index for Addis Ababa peaks at UV 7 at 11:00 local time. Data as of (Africa/Addis_Ababa). Values update hourly — see this page for the current reading and hourly forecast.

uvi·today

UV Index in Addis Ababa

Live UV index for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — current level, hourly UV forecast, peak times, WHO sun protection advice and a 4-day outlook. Now: UV 7 (High). Peak today: UV 7 at 11:00.

Now · 10:00 · Addis Ababa
7
High
0–2Low3–5Moderate6–7High8–10Very High11+Extreme

Sun protection needed today: 09:00–15:00

Protection guidelines:

Now · 10:00 — UV 7 · High · Clear sky: 9

  • Seek shade during midday hours
  • Wear a shirt, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and put on a hat
  • Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
Values are forecasts from the European CAMS model (Copernicus), not measurements from a sensor in Addis Ababa. WHO · Methodology
Today's UV overview · Fri, Oct 16
2
8Overcast15°82%1
4
9Overcast17°70%2
7
10Overcast18°61%2
7
11Overcast19°55%2
7
12Overcast21°49%2
6
13Overcast22°46%2
4
14Overcast23°42%2
2
15Overcast22°42%3
1
16Overcast21°45%4
% HumidityWind m/s
Max today
7at 11:00
Max tomorrow
11at 12:00
Daylight today
11h 56m06:12–18:08
Solar noon
12:10

Sun & moon in Addis Ababa

Sun height63°
Sun directionSE 131°
Sky stateDaylight
-90°-60°-30°0°30°60°90°00:0006:0012:0018:0024:00Now 63°

The curve traces the sun's height above the horizon through the day: 0° is the horizon, 90° is straight overhead. The higher the sun climbs, the shorter the path its rays take through the atmosphere — and the stronger the UV. The part below 0° is night.

Sunrise / sunset directionE 99° / W 261°
Civil twilight05:51–06:13 / 18:07–18:29
Nautical twilight05:27–05:51 / 18:29–18:53
Astronomical twilight05:02–05:27 / 18:53–19:18
Moon phaseWaxing crescent · 29%
Moonrise / moonset10:54 / 22:38
Next moon quarterFirst quarter · Oct 18, 19:13

Detailed hourly UV index — Today, Oct 16

Peak UV 7.5 at 11:00 · Addis Ababa · Local time (GMT+3)

The solid line is the hourly UV forecast: the UV index expected each hour, with cloud cover taken into account. The dashed line is the clear-sky UV, the level it would reach under a cloudless sky. The gap between the two lines shows how much the clouds are lowering the UV.

04812Max: 7Now: 76:0013°9:0017°12:0021°15:0022°18:0019°21:0016°
ForecastClear sky

Detailed hourly UV index — Tomorrow, Oct 17

Peak UV 10.5 at 12:00 · Addis Ababa · Local time (GMT+3)

04812Max: 116:0014°9:0017°12:0021°15:0023°18:0019°21:0016°
ForecastClear sky
Hour-by-hour UV index for today & tomorrow

Detailed hour-by-hour UV index forecast for Addis Ababa — today and tomorrow. Includes UV level, clear-sky UV, weather conditions, and temperature for each hour.

Today — Oct 16

HourUVClear skyWeather
05:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast13°
06:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast13°
07:000.3 – Low0.4Overcast13°
08:001.7 – Low2.0Overcast15°
09:004.4 – Moderate5.1Overcast17°
10:007.3 – High8.8Overcast18°
11:007.5 – High11.8Overcast19°
12:006.7 – High13.1Overcast21°
13:005.5 – High12.1Overcast22°
14:003.9 – Moderate9.2Overcast23°
15:002.5 – Low5.5Overcast22°
16:001.0 – Low2.3Overcast21°
17:000.3 – Low0.5Overcast20°
18:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy19°
19:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy18°
20:000.0 – Low0.0Overcast17°
21:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy16°

Tomorrow — Oct 17

HourUVClear skyWeather
05:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy14°
06:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy14°
07:000.4 – Low0.4Partly cloudy14°
08:001.9 – Low2.0Partly cloudy15°
09:004.6 – Moderate5.1Partly cloudy17°
10:007.7 – Very High8.8Partly cloudy19°
11:009.6 – Very High11.8Partly cloudy20°
12:0010.5 – Extreme13.1Partly cloudy21°
13:008.8 – Very High12.0Overcast22°
14:007.2 – High9.1Overcast23°
15:004.4 – Moderate5.4Overcast23°
16:002.0 – Low2.2Partly cloudy23°
17:000.4 – Low0.5Partly cloudy21°
18:000.0 – Low0.0Mainly clear19°
19:000.0 – Low0.0Mainly clear18°
20:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy17°
21:000.0 – Low0.0Partly cloudy16°

4-Day UV Forecast for Addis Ababa

The 4-day UV index forecast shows each day's peak UV and the time it's reached, plus daily high and low temperatures and an hourly UV curve, so you can plan sun protection for the days ahead.

Today, Oct 16Peak UV 7 at 11:00Sun protection: 09:00–15:0023° / 13°
6Overcast13°9Overcast17°12Overcast21°15Overcast22°18Partly cloudy19°
Saturday, Oct 17Peak UV 11 at 12:00Sun protection: 09:00–16:0023° / 14°
6Partly cloudy14°9Partly cloudy17°12Partly cloudy21°15Overcast23°18Mainly clear19°
Sunday, Oct 18Peak UV 11 at 11:00Sun protection: 09:00–16:0023° / 10°
6Clear sky10°9Clear sky18°12Overcast22°15Overcast22°18Clear sky19°
Monday, Oct 19Peak UV 12 at 12:00Sun protection: 09:00–16:0023° / 9°
6Clear sky9°9Clear sky17°12Mainly clear22°15Clear sky23°18Clear sky19°

Peak midday UV by month in Addis Ababa

It's October: on clear days, the midday sun here usually peaks around UV 12–15. That's very intense: around midday you need shade, covering clothes and sunscreen.

The sun is strong here all year round: even in the mildest months, midday UV reaches about 12, so protection is needed in every season. Treat these numbers as the most sun you should expect around noon: clouds typically lower the real value, while reflections from snow, sand or water can add to the UV your skin actually receives. Today's actual UV is in the forecast above.

36811141711–14Jan13–16Feb15–17Mar14–17Apr13–16May13–14Jun13–15Jul14–16Aug14–16Sep12–15Oct11–13Nov10–12Dec

Each bar shows the range the midday UV index moves through on clear days in that month, from the gentlest days up to what the strongest days typically reach, based on 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). The small light line inside a bar is an ordinary day's midday level.

Based on TEMIS data. Copyright © KNMI/ESA — https://www.temis.nl/

In October the strong sun is in the southern hemisphere: UV reaches high levels across most of it, while the northern hemisphere outside the tropics has its mild season.

See the world map for October →

The UV year at a glance

Strongest sunMar–Apr · up to 17
Weakest sunDec · up to 12
Protection needed (UV 3+)all year
Extra protection (UV 8+)all year

Months when the midday sun gets strong enough to need protection. Based on clear days; clouds typically lower UV.

See also: Addis Ababa temperature and rainfall by month →

UV in Addis Ababa: today, tomorrow and through the year

UV in Addis Ababa is at its daily high of 7 (high) at the moment, so it's worth staying covered until 15:00. The cloud doesn't take the risk away: unprotected skin can still burn today. Up at 2,379 m, the thinner air at this altitude lets through more UV than at sea level.Tomorrow climbs higher, peaking at UV 11 (extreme) around 12:00, so plan sun protection from 09:00 to 16:00. Sunnier days with stronger UV are on the way later in the week.UV in Addis Ababa stays high in every month. Across the year the strongest days run from about UV 12 to around UV 17, and October sits between the two.

Location, daylight and sky in Addis Ababa

Key facts

CountryEthiopia, Addis Ababa
TimezoneAfrica/Addis Ababa (UTC+3)
Coordinates9.02° N, 38.75° E
Elevation2379 m
Population≈ 3.86M
Air pressurebarometer.today

Sun & Daylight Hours in Addis Ababa

Sunrise / sunset06:12 / 18:08
Daylight today11h 56m
Daylight tomorrow11h 55m (-1 min)
Solar noon (sun highest)12:10
Golden hour17:40–18:21
Low UV hours (UV < 3)06:00–09:00
15:00–18:00
High UV window (UV ≥ 3)09:00–15:00

Seasonal daylight range at this latitude

Longest day12h 39m (Jun 21)
Shortest day11h 36m (Dec 21)

Similar daylight hours as Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam — on the same parallel

UV index map for Addis Ababa and nearby cities

This map shows the current UV forecast for Addis Ababa and the area around it. One forecast value covers a region of roughly 40 km, so it is a good guide for the area as a whole rather than an exact reading for one spot. In places with big height differences, or where the ground is covered by snow, the real UV can differ from what the map shows.

Check UV in: Dessie · Bahir Dar · Dire Dawa · Arba Minch · Nazrēt

Air quality concerns? Check air quality in Addis Ababa on AirIndex.Today

What is the UV index in Addis Ababa right now?

As of 10:00 local time, the UV index in Addis Ababa is 7 (High). UV changes hour by hour. See the hourly chart above for how it rises and falls today.

What is the UV index in Addis Ababa today?

On 2026-10-16, the peak UV index forecast for Addis Ababa is 7, expected around 11:00 local time. Check back daily: UV levels change with cloud cover, ozone, and sun angle. Addis Ababa sits at 2379 m elevation, where UV radiation is stronger than at sea level (roughly +10% per 1,000 m).

What is the UV index in Addis Ababa tomorrow?

On 2026-10-17, the UV index in Addis Ababa is forecast to peak at 11 around 12:00 local time. Plan outdoor activities and sun protection around that peak.

What are typical maximum UV levels in Addis Ababa by month?

Peak midday UV index in Addis Ababa, month by month
MonthPeak midday UV
January11–14
February13–16
March15–17
April14–17
May13–16
June13–14
July13–15
August14–16
September14–16
October12–15
November11–13
December10–12
There is no real UV season in Addis Ababa: midday levels stay in a similar range all year, from about 12 at the quietest, in December, to about 17 in April. Month by month: January (11–14), February (13–16), March (15–17), April (14–17), May (13–16), June (13–14), July (13–15), August (14–16), September (14–16), October (12–15), November (11–13), and December (10–12).Clear-sky range, 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). On cloudy days values are typically lower.

How strong is UV in Addis Ababa in October?

In a typical October, the midday UV index in Addis Ababa reaches 12–15 on clear days, based on 17 years of satellite data (2004–2020). Cloudy days typically run lower. Check the live forecast for today's value.

Which months have the highest UV in Addis Ababa?

UV in Addis Ababa is highest in March–April, when the midday index reaches up to 17 on clear days. The weakest sun is in December, around 10–12 at midday.

When do you need sun protection in Addis Ababa?

All year round: midday UV in Addis Ababa reaches 3 or higher (the WHO protection level) in every month. In every month it can reach UV 8 or more. The WHO then advises extra protection: avoid the midday sun and cover up.

Forecast · UV Index

Now
UV 7.3 (High)
Max today
UV 7.5 · 11:00
Max tomorrow
UV 10.5 · 12:00
Clear sky
UV 13.1
Sunrise / Sunset
06:12 / 18:08
High UV window (UV ≥ 3)
09:00–15:00
4-Day UV Forecast
Fri 7.5 · Sat 10.5 · Sun 11.4 · Mon 11.6
About the UV Index

What is the UV index?

The UV index (UVI) is an international standard measure of the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun at a particular place and time. It ranges from 0 (nighttime) to 11+ (extreme). Higher values mean greater risk of sunburn, skin damage, and eye injury. The UV index was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to help people protect themselves from harmful UV radiation.

How do I check the UV index today?

This page shows the live UV index for your location using data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). You get the current UV level, an hourly UV forecast chart for today and tomorrow, and the exact peak UV time — so you always know when sun protection is most important.

When is UV radiation strongest?

UV radiation is typically strongest between 10:00 and 16:00, when the sun is highest in the sky. However, the exact peak time and intensity depend on your latitude, the season, altitude, cloud cover, and ozone levels. Check the UV forecast chart above to see today's exact peak time for your location.

How can I protect myself from UV radiation?

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, seek shade during peak UV hours, and wear UV-blocking sunglasses. The WHO recommends sun protection when the UV index is 3 or above.

Where does the UV data come from?

The hourly UV index on this site comes from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), operated by ECMWF on behalf of the European Union. CAMS calculates the UV biologically effective dose using total column ozone, aerosol optical depth, and cloud cover. The global forecast has a spatial resolution of approximately 40 km and provides hourly UV index values for up to 5 days ahead.

What does "clear-sky UV index" mean?

The clear-sky UV index shows how strong ultraviolet radiation would be if there were no clouds at all. It is calculated using the same atmospheric data — ozone column thickness, aerosol concentrations, and solar angle — but assumes completely cloudless conditions. Comparing the actual UV index with the clear-sky value shows how much clouds are reducing UV exposure at any given time. On overcast days, actual UV can be significantly lower than the clear-sky value.

How often is the UV forecast updated?

The CAMS global UV forecast is updated twice daily, based on model runs initialized at 00:00 and 12:00 UTC. Weather data such as temperature, cloud cover, and sunrise/sunset times is updated every 1–6 hours depending on the region, using weather models from national meteorological services via Open-Meteo. The first 1–2 days of the forecast are typically the most accurate.

What does the WHO recommend for each UV level?

Low (0–2) — No protection needed. You can safely enjoy being outside
Moderate (3–5) — Seek shade during midday hours. Wear a shirt, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and put on a hat. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
High (6–7) — Seek shade during midday hours. Wear a shirt, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and put on a hat. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
Very High (8–10) — Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure you seek shade. Shirt, broad-spectrum sunscreen and hat are a must
Extreme (11+) — Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure you seek shade. Shirt, broad-spectrum sunscreen and hat are a must

Source: WHO Global Solar UV Index, 2002