Last updated: August 1, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Yonibana, Sierra Leone, where the sun's rays can become intense, especially during peak hours. Understanding UV levels is essential not just for sunburn prevention but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With Yonibana's tropical climate, UV exposure risks can be significantly heightened, particularly around midday when the UV Index frequently reaches dangerous levels of 12 to 13. By staying informed about the UV Index, locals can take proactive measures to protect themselves and enjoy the sun safely.
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 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant changes, peaking in the summer months and indicating a higher risk of skin damage. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from March to October, where the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels of 11 to 13, with a rapid burn time of only 10 minutes. Specifically, May to September sees the highest UV levels, prompting precautionary measures. In contrast, November to February presents a marginal decrease, with UV Index values dropping back to 10, categorized as very high. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective actions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially during the peak UV months, to reduce the risk of UV-related health issues.
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 |
Yonibana | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
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 |