UV Index in Franceville, Gabon

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Franceville, Gabon, where the tropical climate brings consistent exposure to sunlight. As UV levels can peak dramatically throughout the day—reaching a max UV Index of 13 at noon—grasping this information empowers individuals to take necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With high UV levels particularly prevalent in the vibrant, warm months, ensuring you stay informed about the daily UV Index can significantly contribute to your skin health and overall well-being in this sun-soaked region.

Hourly UV Index in Franceville

The UV Index (UVI) begins its ascent at 07:00, reaching a modest 1, but as the sun climbs higher, so does the intensity. By 09:00, it hits 6, pushing outdoor enthusiasts to take notice. The peak occurs at 12:00, where the UVI soars to a scorching 13, indicating the need for sun protection. This high level remains at 12 until 13:00, before gradually tapering off to 9 by 14:00. As the afternoon progresses, the UVI then dips to 5 at 15:00, and continues to decline, hitting 2 at 16:00. Finally, the day winds down with the UVI falling to 1 by 17:00, and then sinking to 0 after 18:00, offering a reprieve from the sun's harsh rays for the evening.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	very high	15 min
15:00	5	moderate	30 min
16:00	2	low	45 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	0	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Franceville

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Franceville, Gabon

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Franceville. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Franceville, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Franceville UV Index with Other Gabon Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Franceville compares to other major locations across Gabon. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Franceville's solar exposure compared to other cities in Gabon. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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