Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Kamakwie, Sierra Leone, where the climate is characterized by warm temperatures and significant sun exposure. Monitoring UV levels not only helps prevent sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining skin health, reducing the risk of long-term damage. In Kamakwie, the UV Index can soar as high as 13 during midday hours, indicating a serious risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With this knowledge, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your skin while enjoying the sun in this vibrant region.
The UV Index today presents a notable peak at 12:00 PM, where it reaches a striking 12, indicating very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The day starts off gently, with a low UV Index of 1 from 07:00 to 08:00, providing a safe window for morning activities. As the sun climbs, intensity builds, escalating to 10 by 11:00 AM and peaking at 1 PM. After this zenith, the UV Index gradually tapers, dropping to 9 at 3:00 PM, and continues to decline, finally settling back to a safe level of 1 by 6:00 PM. For safety and health, it’s ideal to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when UV levels are at their most aggressive.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | 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 dramatically changes throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring from March to September, where it reaches an extreme category of 12 to 14. The most critical months for UV exposure are March to October, with September showing the peak UV Index of 14, implying a burn time of just 10 minutes. During these high-risk months, it's crucial for visitors and residents to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and to seek shade during peak sun hours. Conversely, while January, February, November, and December see a UV Index of 9 to 10, which is still labeled very high, the burn time increases to 15 minutes, allowing for slightly more exposure. It remains essential to be cautious year-round, but heightened vigilance is advised during the peak summer months.
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 |
| Kamakwie | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 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 |