Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Mbigou, Gabon, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As UV levels fluctuate throughout the day—peaking at an impactful 10 between noon and 1 PM—understanding these levels helps you take essential steps to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Given Mbigou's tropical climate, where the sun can be intense, it's vital to be aware of your UV exposure. With this knowledge, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while keeping your skin safe from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity. Early risers will feel minimal exposure, with a low of 1 at 07:00, gently climbing to 2 by 08:00. As the sun reaches its peak, the index skyrockets to a staggering 10 during the lunch hours at 12:00 and 13:00, indicating very high UV levels that demand protection. Following this zenith, the numbers begin to dwindle, descending to 8 at 14:00 and tapering off to 5 by 15:00. As evening settles in, the UV Index gracefully declines to 1 by 17:00 and finally drops to 0 at 19:00, marking the end of a sunlit day. Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine, but don’t forget those essential sun care practices during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 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 |