Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Gberia Fotombu, Sierra Leone, where the tropical Aw climate brings robust sunshine and elevated UV levels. By keeping an eye on these UV readings, you can effectively mitigate risks such as sunburn and long-term skin damage. With peak UV Index values reaching as high as 13 between noon and 1 PM, awareness of daily UV levels is essential for safeguarding your skin health and enjoying the outdoors responsibly. Embrace the sun while staying informed about its potential dangers!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to ascend, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, but the real transformation occurs as the clock strikes 09:00, reaching 4. The pinnacle arrives between 12:00 and 13:00, where the UV Index soars to a peak of 13, making it essential to seek shade and apply sunscreen. After hitting 10 at 11:00 and slowly tapering off to 12 at 14:00, a gradual decline is noted, with the index dropping to 8 by 15:00, and falling further to 2 by 17:00. As the day winds down, the UV levels return to a safe 1 at 18:00, ultimately fading to 0 by 19:00, signaling the end of a day under the sun. Stay protected during the high UV 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 12 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant changes throughout the year, with extreme levels recorded from January to October, peaking at 14 in August and September. This indicates that these months, along with March, April, May, June, July, and October, pose a high risk for UV exposure, where a mere 10 minutes of sun can lead to skin burns. In November and December, the UV Index drops to 10, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly more extended burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the high-risk months of August and September when the UV exposure is at its peak.
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 |
Koidu UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
Gberia Fotombu | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |