Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Bomi, Sierra Leone is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With a tropical climate that often exposes residents to high levels of ultraviolet radiation, being aware of UV levels helps in taking proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. The UV Index can vary significantly throughout the day, peaking during midday when values reach a maximum of 12, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By regularly checking the UV index, you can enjoy the sunny Bomi weather while minimizing the risks associated with intense sunlight.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, making it an easy start for early risers. By 9:00 AM, the index climbs to 4, signaling the day is warming up. The peak intensity hits at 12:00 PM, with a daunting 12—a reminder to protect your skin! As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually decreases, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM and sinking to 5 by 4:00 PM. The evening brings relief as the value dwindles back down to 1 by 6:00 PM, with 0 darkness settling in by 7:00 PM. With such fluctuating UV levels, don’t forget your sunscreen during those peak 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest levels recorded from February to October. During this period, the UV Index reaches extremes of 11 to 13, which corresponds to an extreme exposure category and a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. The months of February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October are particularly high-risk, necessitating heightened awareness and protection against UV radiation. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to wear sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, especially during these peak months. In contrast, January, November, and December show a decrease in the UV Index to 10, categorized as very high, allowing for slightly longer exposure times of 15 minutes before skin damage may occur. However, caution should still be exercised during these 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 |
Bomi | 10 | 11 | 12 | 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 |