Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Gorahun, Sierra Leone is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health in this warm, tropical climate. With UV levels often reaching extremely high peaks—such as a midday index of 12—awareness can be the difference between enjoying the sun and suffering from painful sunburns. By keeping a close eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and your loved ones, ensuring you enjoy the beauty of Gorahun's sunny days while minimizing the risk of long-term skin damage. Whether you're engaging in outdoor activities or simply soaking up the sun, knowing the UV levels can help you make informed choices to stay safe and healthy.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, peaking with intensity around noon. Starting at a mere 1 at 07:00, it escalates to a moderate 4 by 09:00, reaching 10 by 11:00 and peaking at 12 from 12:00 to 13:00. This midday zenith signals the need for protection; without it, prolonged exposure could be harmful. By the afternoon, the numbers gradually dip, falling to 8 at 15:00, then to 5 by 16:00. As the day winds down, the UV strength diminishes, settling back at 1 by 18:00 and dropping to 0 by 19:00, reminding us that while the sun shines bright, it’s wise to seek shade during the peak hours. Stay safe and smart about sun exposure!
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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels remain notably high, with extreme exposure risks from January to October where the index frequently reaches 11 to 13. The peak months for UV exposure are April, May, August, and September, where the index consistently hits 13, indicating an extreme burn time of just 10 minutes. As we move into November and December, the risk slightly decreases to a very high category, with a UV index of 10 and an extended burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and minimizing sun exposure, particularly during peak hours, to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Freetown UVI | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Bo UVI | 10 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
Makeni UVI | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Kenema UVI | 11 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
Gorahun | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
Koidu UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |