UV Index in Koidu, Sierra Leone

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Koidu, Sierra Leone is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. High UV levels can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it vital to stay informed about daily fluctuations. Koidu's tropical climate exposes residents and visitors alike to significant UV radiation, especially during midday hours when the index peaks at a staggering 12. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself, ensuring your time under the sun is both enjoyable and safe.

Hourly UV Index in Koidu

Experience a dynamic increase in UV Index throughout the day, peaking at an impressive 13 around 1:00 PM. The sun reaches its zenith with an intense UV Index of 12 at noon, reminding us to stay protected. From the early morning, we see a gentle rise, starting at 1 at 7:00 AM, and by 10:00 AM, it jumps to a moderate 7. As the hours progress, the index escalates, hitting a high of 10 at 11:00 AM before reaching its summit. In the afternoon, the UV Index gradually declines, falling to 5 by 4:00 PM, and tapering off to a 0 by 7:00 PM. Remember to strike a balance between enjoying the sun and protecting your skin during these peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	13	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Koidu

During the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, with the highest readings occurring from March to September. Notably, September peaks with a UV Index of 14, reflecting an extreme exposure category where the burn time is just 10 minutes. For visitors and residents, it is crucial to recognize that January through April continue to show extreme UV levels of 11 to 13, maintaining a consistent risk for skin damage with a burn time of only 10 minutes. Furthermore, even during the fall and winter months of November and December, UV levels drop to 10 but still remain in the very high category, extending burn times to 15 minutes. Therefore, it is essential to protect your skin year-round, particularly from March to September, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Koidu, Sierra Leone

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Koidu. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Koidu, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Koidu UV Index with Other Sierra Leone Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Koidu compares to other major locations across Sierra Leone. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Koidu's solar exposure compared to other cities in Sierra Leone. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Koidu	11	11	12	13	13	13	13	13	14	12	10	10