Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Tchibanga, Gabon is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's climate characterized as Aw, the sun's rays can pose significant risks, especially during peak hours when the UV Index reaches levels as high as 9. Familiarizing yourself with these UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. As you navigate the vibrant outdoor life of Tchibanga, staying aware of UV exposure can help safeguard your skin against the harsh tropical sun, ensuring you enjoy all that this beautiful locale has to offer safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mere 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it ticks up to 2, gradually warming up for the day ahead. The midday sun peaks sharply, with a striking 9 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, making these hours the perfect time to take extra precautions against harmful rays. By 2:00 PM, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 7, and further down to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon fades, the UV Index slips to 2 at 4:00 PM and then wanes to a gentle 1 after 5:00 PM. Finally, it dwindles to 0 by the time evening sets in at 7:00 PM, marking the end of a day defined by fluctuating sun exposure. Remember, these numbers serve as a reminder to protect your skin during those 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 | 9 | 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 | 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 varies seasonally, with the highest levels occurring from January through April, consistently reaching an extreme rating of 14 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. August and September also pose a significant risk, with UV Index values of 11 and 12, respectively. While June and July dip slightly to a very high category of 9 (15-minute burn time), caution remains essential. The following months - October to December - revert to extreme levels, with UV Index values between 12 and 13. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures during these high-risk months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and utilizing broad-spectrum sunscreen to minimize the risks of sunburn and long-term 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 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 |
| Tchibanga | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 |
| Oyem UVI | 12 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 11 |