Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Franceville, Gabon, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for everyone looking to protect their skin from harmful solar radiation. Understanding the UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and maintain long-term skin health, especially in this region where the Aw climate brings both sunshine and potential exposure risks. With peak UV Index values reaching 10 around midday, it’s essential to be informed and take necessary precautions to enjoy the tropical climate safely. Whether you're lounging in the sun or engaging in outdoor activities, knowing when to apply sunscreen or seek shade can make all the difference in safeguarding your skin. Don't underestimate the importance of UV awareness—your health depends on it!
The UV Index for the day presents an interesting pattern as it climbs to a peak during midday. Starting at a low of 1 at 07:00, the index rises steadily, hitting 2 by 08:00 and reaching 4 by 09:00. The sun gains intensity, soaring to a moderate 6 at 10:00, and hitting a striking 9 at 11:00, shortly followed by a maximum of 10 at noon—meaning it’s essential to protect your skin! As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually decreases, falling to 9 at 13:00 and 7 at 14:00, before sinking back to 4 by 15:00. By late afternoon and evening, the UV exposure becomes minimal again, dropping to 2 at 16:00, 1 at 17:00, and finally hitting 0 by 19:00, signaling a safe end to the sun's influence for the day.
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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 5 | 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 distinct seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from January to April and in August through October, prompting extreme exposure categories. Notably, March reaches a peak UV Index of 14, while July sees a decrease to 10, categorized as very high. The high-risk months are predominantly concentrated from January to April and again from August to October, where consistent UV levels maintain extreme risk, with minimal burn times of just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors should take prudent precautions during these months, such as wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize potential 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 |
Port-Gentil UVI | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 |
Franceville | 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 |