UV Index in Bonthe, Sierra Leone

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Bonthe, Sierra Leone, where exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation can significantly impact skin health. With Bonthe's tropical climate and peak UV levels reaching as high as 12 around midday, awareness of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin protection. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can make smart decisions about sun exposure, ensuring a safer and healthier experience under the vibrant Sierra Leonean sun.

Hourly UV Index in Bonthe

The UV Index throughout the day showcases a significant peak around midday, making for an intriguing observation of sunlight intensity. Starting at 07:00, the index remains low at 1, gradually rising to 3 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, we reach a notable 6 by 10:00 and surge to its maximum intensity of 11 at noon, a warning to take protective measures. The afternoon sees a brief plateau with 12 at 13:00, before tapering off to 11 at 14:00 and declining steadily to 5 by 16:00. By 17:00, the index drops to 2, and the sunlight wanes, bringing it back down to 1 by 18:00 and finally settling at 0 by 19:00. This hourly data serves as an important reminder to stay vigilant under the sun, especially during those peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	1	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	6	high	25 min
11:00	9	very high	15 min
12:00	11	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Bonthe

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Bonthe, Sierra Leone

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Bonthe. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Bonthe, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Bonthe UV Index with Other Sierra Leone Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Bonthe compares to other major locations across Sierra Leone. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Bonthe's solar exposure compared to other cities in Sierra Leone. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Bonthe	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