Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the tropical region of Gamba, Gabon, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With sunburn risk escalating throughout the day – peaking at a maximum UV level of 9 during midday – it's essential to stay informed and take preventative measures. Awareness of UV levels helps you safeguard against skin damage and long-term health issues. Gamba's Aw climate features consistently high temperatures and clear skies, amplifying the UV radiation exposure. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the risk of harmful effects. Remember, a little caution goes a long way in preserving your skin health!
The UV Index peaks dramatically throughout the day, reaching a maximum of 9 at noon and remaining high at 8 by 11 AM and 9 at 1 PM. Early risers can enjoy a mild 1 at 7 AM, which gradually escalates to a moderate 3 by 9 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index soars, urging sunbathers to protect their skin. By the afternoon, the index dips to a more manageable 4 at 3 PM, before falling to a 2 at 4 PM, and descending into safe territory with a 1 by 5 PM. As twilight approaches, enjoy the evening with a calming 0 by 7 PM, signaling the end of peak UV radiation. Remember, during the peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM, it's wise to take precautions to safeguard against harmful UV exposure!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with peak values typically occurring in the winter and early spring months. From January to May, the UV Index remains consistently high at 13-14, categorized as extreme, which means that unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes. A slight decrease occurs in June and July, where the UV Index drops to 9 (very high) with a longer burn time of 15 minutes. However, it escalates again in August and September with values reaching 11-12, classified as extreme, before stabilizing at 13 in October through December. Given these fluctuations, visitors and residents should exercise caution, especially during the high-risk months of January through May, and maintain protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to reduce the risk of 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 |
| Gamba | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| 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 |
| Oyem UVI | 12 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 11 |