Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Catio, Guinea-Bissau, where the sun shines brightly in an Aw climate zone. With UV levels peaking at a multifaceted 13 during midday hours, awareness of these values plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. High UV exposure can lead to significant risks, including skin damage and increased chance of skin cancer. By keeping track of daily UV levels, locals can take necessary precautions, ensuring their outdoor activities are both enjoyable and safe from the sun's harmful rays.
The UV Index journey begins early, with mild levels of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rises higher, the intensity spikes, reaching 3 by 09:00. By 10:00, it climbs to 6, hinting at the intensifying sun. At 11:00, we hit 9, and by noon, the levels peak at a staggering 12—a clear signal to seek shade! The maximum UV exposure occurs from 13:00 to 14:00, registering 13 before it begins to wane. The afternoon sees a descent back to 10 at 15:00, followed by a gentle dip to 6 at 16:00. As the day transitions into evening, the UV Index drops to 3 at 17:00 and settles back at 1 by 18:00 and 19:00, concluding a day of sunshine and caution. Be sure to protect your skin during peak hours!
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 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, peaking during the summer months. January and February experience a high UV Index of 10, indicating very high exposure risk with a burn time of just 15 minutes. As the year progresses into March through October, the UV Index escalates to 12-14, classified as extreme, where unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes. The highest risk months are July and August, with a UV Index of 13 and 14 respectively. November and December see a decline in UV exposure, returning to a very high category. It is crucial for visitors and residents to take preventative measures during these high-risk months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting midday sun exposure to safeguard against skin damage.
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 |
Catio | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Bissora UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 9 |