Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Canchungo, Guinea-Bissau, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index serves as a crucial indicator of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation levels, helping residents and visitors avoid painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. With its Aw climate, characterized by a distinct wet and dry season, Canchungo experiences fluctuating UV exposure throughout the day. Notably, peak UV levels can reach a maximum of 13 around midday, underscoring the importance of checking the UV Index regularly for effective sun safety practices. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins gently at a cool 1 at 7:00 AM, maintaining this level until 9:00 AM, when it slightly climbs to 3. By 10:00 AM, the intensity escalates dramatically to 6, foreshadowing the midday peak. The UV Index reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM, soaring to a blistering 12, and maintains a high of 13 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM—a crucial time to seek shade and wear protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index drops to 10 by 3:00 PM and continues to wane, landing at 3 by 5:00 PM. As daylight dwindles, the UV Index returns to a moderate 1 by 6:00 PM, making those evening strolls safer. Remember, when the sun is at its strongest around noon, take precautions to stay protected!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. From January to November, the UV Index ranges between 9 and 10, classified as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes. However, from March through October, the index reaches extreme levels, ranging from 12 to 14, with a considerably reduced burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months are primarily March through October, particularly in August and September, when the UV Index peaks at 14. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours, to minimize the risk of UV-related harm.
UV Risk Categories
| 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 |
| Bolama UVI | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| Bissau UVI | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| Canchungo | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| Bissora UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 9 |