Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Serabu, Sierra Leone, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels empowers residents and visitors to take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Serabu's tropical climate and high UV exposure, particularly during midday when the index peaks at 12, it’s essential to stay informed and safeguard your skin. By tracking these levels, you can enjoy the beautiful sun while minimizing risks associated with excessive UV exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb steadily. Starting at a mere 1 at 07:00, it remains low until 09:00 when it jumps to 3. However, by 10:00, the index surges to 6, signaling that it’s time to protect your skin. The peak occurs at 12:00 and 13:00, reaching an intense 12—a time when sun safety is critical. From there, the numbers start to wane; 11:00 sees a 9, and by 15:00, it drops to 8. The afternoon offers relief as the index lowers to 2 by 17:00, and settles back to 1 at 18:00, before fading to 0 by 19:00. This hourly journey highlights the importance of being sun-aware during peak hours.
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 | 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 |
Serabu | 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 |