Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Zwedru, Liberia, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. High UV levels can lead to sunburn and increase the risk of skin damage, making it essential to stay informed about daily fluctuations. With Zwedru’s tropical climate, residents and visitors should be particularly cautious as exposure risks are heightened, especially during midday when the UV Index peaks at 13. By keeping an eye on UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience in the sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00, ideal for a morning stroll. By 09:00, it reaches 4, prompting a bit more caution if you're outdoors. The sun's intensity peaks sharply at 12:00 with a blistering 13, signaling the importance of sunscreen and protective clothing, especially as it remains high until 14:00. As the afternoon progresses, the index drops steadily, falling to 4 by 16:00, and finally winding down to 1 by 18:00. As sunset approaches at 19:00, the UV threat dwindles to 0, allowing for a safe evening in the fading light. Be sure to stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index in the region demonstrates significant seasonal variation, peaking from January to May, where it consistently falls within the extreme exposure category, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The highest values are recorded in March and April at a UV Index of 13 and 14, respectively, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. As the summer months approach, the index stabilizes but remains at a dangerous level, holding steady in the 12-13 range until late September. November sees a slight decrease to 11, while December is relatively lower at 10, shifting to a very high exposure category with a burn time extending to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions year-round, but especially during these high-risk months from January to May, ensuring proper sun protection strategies, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monrovia UVI | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| Bensonville UVI | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
| Kakata UVI | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
| Harper UVI | 11 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 |
| Zwedru | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
| Gbarnga UVI | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |