Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Largo, Sierra Leone is essential for anyone who enjoys the outdoor beauty of this vibrant coastal town. With the high levels of UV radiation prevalent, particularly during midday when the index peaks at 13, awareness can be the key to preventing sunburn and safeguarding long-term skin health. Largo's tropical climate amplifies exposure risks, making it vital to check UV levels daily and take appropriate precautions. By staying informed, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the sunny days while protecting their skin from harmful effects.
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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | 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 | 1 | 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 |
Largo | 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 |