Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Mbigou, Gabon, where the tropical climate brings strong sun exposure year-round. With peak UV levels soaring to 10 during midday, being informed about UV risks is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. High UV radiation can lead to serious skin issues, making it vital to recognize when to seek shade or apply sunscreen. As you navigate Mbigou's sunny days, staying aware of UV levels not only protects your skin but ensures that you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest readings occurring from January to April, where levels reach 13-14, categorized as extreme and necessitating a very short burn time of only 10 minutes. May marks a slight decrease to UV Index 13, yet the risk remains high. From June to July, the index stabilizes at 10, categorized as very high, allowing for slightly longer exposure of 15 minutes before burning. As summer fades, August sees a jump back to an extreme index of 11, followed by a return to 13 in September and a gradual decrease into late fall with consistent levels until December, where the UV Index sits at 12. Visitors and residents are advised to take high precaution during these months, particularly from January through April and during late summer in August, using protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to mitigate harmful UV exposure.
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 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 |
| Mbigou | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 |
| Oyem UVI | 12 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 11 |