Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Hangha, Sierra Leone, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, especially in a climate characterized by high temperatures and strong sunlight. From the early morning hour of 7:00 AM, where UV levels start low, they quickly rise to a peak of 12 around midday—indicating a significant risk if protection measures aren't taken. Awareness of these levels empowers residents and visitors alike to enjoy the sun safely, making informed choices for outdoor activities throughout the day.
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 exposure in this region remains consistently high, with extreme levels recorded from January to August. The highest UV Index is observed in April, May, July, and August, each reaching a UV Index of 13 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. As the year progresses towards November and December, the UV Index dips slightly to 10 but still falls within the very high exposure category, with burn times increasing to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take immediate precautions during these high-risk months, particularly from March to September, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade whenever possible to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure.
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 |
Hangha | 11 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
Kenema UVI | 11 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
Koidu UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |