Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Port Loko, Sierra Leone, as it provides essential information about sun exposure and helps to prevent harmful effects like sunburn and long-term skin health issues. With a tropical climate that often brings intense sunlight, the UV levels can spike significantly, particularly around midday when readings peak at a staggering 12 to 13. This makes it imperative for locals to be aware of daily UV forecasts to protect their skin while enjoying outdoor activities. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take simple yet effective measures to safeguard your health against the risks of excessive sun exposure.
The UV Index today shows a significant peak of sunlight intensity around noon, reaching a striking 12 at 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity gradually rises from an early low of 1 at 7:00 AM to reach 9 by 11:00 AM, before hitting its zenith of 13 at 1:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, a gradual decline occurs, decreasing to 5 by 4:00 PM and tapering off to 1 by 6:00 PM. It's a day to stay vigilant under the sun, particularly during the peak hours of 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, when sun protection is paramount.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variations, with the highest risk occurring from March to October. During these months, the Index frequently reaches an extreme level of 11 to 13, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. Notably, April, May, July, August, and September are particularly critical, with the UV Index consistently at 12 or 13. While the months of January, February, and November still present very high UV levels (Index 10) with a burn time of 15 minutes, the most intense exposure risks are clearly concentrated in the summer and early fall months. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautionary measures during these high-risk months, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| Port Loko | 10 | 10 | 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 UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |