Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Baiima, Sierra Leone is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With a tropical climate that often leads to elevated UV levels, being aware of these readings can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM, when UV levels peak at a concerning 12, it's crucial to take protective measures to shield yourself from harmful radiation. Staying informed about the UV Index not only enhances your outdoor enjoyment but also contributes to healthier skin in the sun-drenched days of Baiima.
As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low, starting at 1 between 07:00 and 08:00. However, by 09:00, it climbs to 4, hinting at a more intense day ahead. The peak arrives at 12:00, where it reaches a blistering 12, indicating a significant risk for unprotected skin. This high level of UV exposure persists through the early afternoon, maintaining 12 until 13:00, before gradually tapering off to 11 at 14:00. As the day wanes, the index declines to 8 at 15:00, 5 at 16:00, and finally settles back to 1 by 18:00. Thankfully, by 19:00, it drops to 0, signaling a safe end to sun exposure. Plan your day wisely to dodge those midday rays!
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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | 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 exhibits significant variations throughout the year, with the highest levels observed in the spring and summer months. From February to October, the indices range from 11 to 13, categorizing these months as having extreme exposure risks, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. Particularly high-risk months are March, April, May, August, and September, where the UV index peaks at 13. Conversely, the winter months of January, November, and December present a slightly lower risk, classified as very high, but still necessitate caution, with a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to protect their skin by wearing sunscreen, hats, and clothing that offers UV protection, especially during the high-risk months. Regular checks of the UV index are recommended to ensure safe outdoor activities.
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 |
Baiima | 10 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 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 |