Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cocobeach, Gabon, is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful radiation. High UV levels, especially around midday, can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage if not approached with caution. With a tropical climate characterized by intense sunlight, it’s important to know when your exposure risks are highest, particularly as the UV Index peaks at 10 between 12:00 and 13:00. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches while prioritizing your skin health and well-being.
The UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a moderate 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun ascends, the intensity increases more sharply, peaking at an impressive 10 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, signaling the need for sun protection during these hours. Just after the zenith, the levels dip to 8 at 2:00 PM before descending steadily to 6 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index falls below 3 after 4:00 PM, wrapping up the day with a low 1 by 7:00 PM and dropping to 0 by 8:00 PM, marking a safe end to sunshine exposure. Remember to stay safe and enjoy the sun within its peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, indicating that the highest risk months for UV exposure are from January to April, where the UV Index peaks at 14 with an extreme exposure category and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following this, May and August briefly maintain high levels, while June and July see a slight decrease to a very high category with a burn time of 15 minutes. As the year progresses, the index remains in the extreme category through October and November, again posing risks with a similar burn time of 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of UV-related skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Libreville UVI | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 |
Cocobeach | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 |
Port-Gentil UVI | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 |
Franceville UVI | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 |
Moanda UVI | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 |
Oyem UVI | 12 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 11 |