UV Index in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is essential for everyone in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, where the sun’s rays can be particularly intense. With the region's Aw climate, the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage increases significantly, especially during midday hours when the UV Index peaks at an alarming 13. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can make informed decisions to protect your skin and overall health. Whether you’re lounging in the sun or out and about, recognizing these UV risks is crucial to enjoying the beautiful, tropical climate safely.

Hourly UV Index in Bissau

The UV Index for the day tells a fascinating story of rising intensity under the sun. Early risers at 07:00 and 08:00 experienced a mild UV Index of 1, perfect for leisurely outdoor activities. As the day progressed, the index climbed steadily, reaching a moderate 3 by 09:00. By 11:00, it surged to 9, marking the start of peak sun exposure. The sun blazed at 12:00, reaching a high of 12, and continued to shine at 13:00 with an impressive 13. Throughout the afternoon, the intensity began to retreat, falling to 12 by 14:00 and gently tapering to 9 at 15:00. By evening, the sun’s grip loosened, with the index dropping to 3 at 17:00 and finally returning to a gentle 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. A day filled with sunshine serves as a reminder to stay protected during those peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	1	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	6	high	25 min
11:00	9	very high	15 min
12:00	12	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	12	extreme	10 min
15:00	9	very high	15 min
16:00	6	high	25 min
17:00	3	moderate	30 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Bissau

The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking from March to October when levels frequently reach the extreme category. The highest indices are recorded in August and September, with an alarming UV Index of 14, correlating to a mere 10-minute burn time for unprotected skin. Visitors and residents alike should exercise caution during these high-risk months—specifically March through October—by minimizing sun exposure, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen diligently. In contrast, January, February, November, and December present a lower but still very high UV Index of 9 to 10, where exposed skin has a burn time of 15 minutes. Maintaining awareness of UV levels year-round is essential for safeguarding skin health.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Bissau, Guinea-Bissau

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Bissau. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Bissau, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Bissau UV Index with Other Guinea-Bissau Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Bissau compares to other major locations across Guinea-Bissau. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Bissau's solar exposure compared to other cities in Guinea-Bissau. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Bafata UVI	9	10	12	12	12	13	13	13	13	12	9	9
Gabu UVI	9	10	12	12	13	13	13	14	13	12	10	9
Bissau	10	10	11	12	13	13	13	14	14	12	9	9
Bolama UVI	10	10	11	12	13	13	13	14	14	12	9	9
Bissora UVI	9	10	12	12	13	13	13	14	14	12	9	9