Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Koyima, Sierra Leone is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's tropical climate, residents and visitors alike face elevated UV exposure levels, especially during peak hours when the index can reach as high as 13. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself from harmful rays, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience in this vibrant locale. Whether you're lounging in the sun or engaging in outdoor activities, being aware of the UV Index can make all the difference in maintaining your long-term skin health.
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!
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 |
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.
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 |
Koyima | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
Koidu UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |