Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Foindu, Sierra Leone, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The intensity of ultraviolet radiation can vary significantly throughout the day, peaking at a severe level of 12 around midday, making awareness vital for sunburn prevention and long-term skin safety. With an Am climate, Foindu experiences both hot and humid conditions that may increase exposure risks. By staying informed about the local UV levels, residents and visitors can take essential precautions to enjoy the sun safely and maintain their skin's health.
The hourly UV Index data reveals a dramatic rise in UV intensity throughout the morning, beginning at a mere 1 at 07:00. As the sun climbs higher, it peaks at an intense 12 between 12:00 and 13:00, signaling the highest risk for UV exposure during this period. The index begins to decline in the afternoon, dropping to 8 by 15:00, before tapering off to a low of 0 by 19:00. This pattern highlights the importance of sun protection in the mid-day hours, especially from 11:00 to 13:00, when UV levels are at their most hazardous. Stay safe and protect your skin 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 | 6 | 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 |
Bo UVI | 10 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
Foindu | 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 |