Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Largo, Sierra Leone, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin from harmful sun exposure. With the region's tropical climate, UV levels can soar, particularly during midday hours—peaking at a hazardous 12 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Awareness of these levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for long-term skin health, as even moderate exposure can have lasting effects. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors can enjoy the sun safely while protecting their skin from potential damage.
The UV Index reveals a striking peak of intensity around midday, starting from a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, before climbing dramatically to 12 by noon. From 10:00 onwards, outdoor enthusiasts should pay attention as the readings soar, hitting their climax at 12 between 12:00 and 13:00. As the afternoon wanes, the values slowly descend: 11 at 14:00, 8 at 15:00, and tapering down to 5 at 16:00. By the evening, the UV Index drops back to a safe 1 by 18:00. It's clear that the sun commands respect during the peak hours, so stay protected and enjoy your day!
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 | 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 | 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 |