Last updated: September 1, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index in Gamba, Gabon is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage, especially in this tropical region where the sun’s rays can be particularly intense. Gamba's climate is characterized by high humidity and a warm atmosphere, making it essential to monitor UV exposure, especially during midday when the index can reach levels as high as 9. Stay informed and keep your skin safe while enjoying the beautiful outdoors!
The UV Index reflects a dynamic day of sun exposure, starting off gently with a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity builds, peaking at a formidable 9 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, signaling a prime time for sun safety awareness. By 11:00 AM, it reaches 8, emphasizing the importance of protective measures. The intensity then gently wanes, dropping to 7 by 2:00 PM, before declining to 5 at 3:00 PM, and further dimming to 3 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index diminishes significantly, returning to 1 at 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and finally tapering off to 0 by 7:00 PM. This chart highlights the importance of staying vigilant under the sun, particularly during those midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
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 |