Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Loma, Sierra Leone, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, particularly given its tropical climate. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 13 around noon, awareness of these daily fluctuations can help residents and visitors alike take necessary precautions against harmful sun exposure. As Loma experiences high UV intensity, especially between late morning and early afternoon, staying informed empowers you to adopt effective sun safety measures—ensuring a healthy, enjoyable experience under the sun.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic change in solar intensity. Starting from the early hours, with readings of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index gradually climbs, peaking sharply at 12 around noon. The most intense rays hit their zenith at 13:00, recording a striking 13. As the afternoon progresses, there's a noticeable decline, with values dropping back to 5 by 16:00, and winding down to 1 by 19:00. To stay protected, it’s essential to be mindful of these UV fluctuations, especially during the midday hours when the sun is at its strongest.
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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences consistently high levels, peaking at 14 in September and remaining at 13 from May through August, indicating an extreme exposure category throughout much of the year. High-risk months for UV exposure include March through September, where the burn time is a mere 10 minutes for most days. Residents and visitors should take precautions by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen, especially during these peak months to mitigate the risk of UV-related health issues. Notably, even in the fall months of October and November, the UV Index remains concerning, with a very high level recorded in November. Therefore, it's essential to stay vigilant about sun safety year-round.
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 |
Loma | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Koidu UVI | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |