Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Gbawe, Ghana, awareness of the UV Index is vital for protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors safeguard themselves against the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure, particularly during peak hours when the index climbs to 11 around noon. Situated in an Aw climate zone, Gbawe experiences intense sunlight, making it crucial to mitigate risks associated with high UV exposure, especially during the sunniest parts of the day. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while keeping your skin safe!
At dawn, the UV Index starts off low at 1 by 7:00 AM, but as the day unfolds, it quickly rises. By 10:00 AM, it hits 8, reaching peak intensity at noon with an index of 11. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels begin to drop, stabilizing at 10 shortly after noon before gently declining to 5 by 3:00 PM. The sun’s influence wanes further as evening approaches, tapering down to 1 by 5:00 PM and finally dissipating to 0 by 7:00 PM. This fluctuation highlights the importance of sun protection during peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM when UV exposure is at its highest.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, peaking in the spring and summer months. From January to March, UV exposure starts very high to extreme, but it escalates further in April and May with an index of 14 and 13, respectively. The high-risk months from March to October consistently show extreme levels, with burn times as short as 10 minutes throughout this period. Consequently, visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours, to reduce the risk of harmful UV exposure. As the year progresses into November and December, the UV Index begins to decline, though caution should still be exercised as levels remain very high.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gbawe | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Atsiaman UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Accra UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Takoradi UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Kumasi UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Tamale UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |