Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Zimmi, Sierra Leone, where the tropical climate poses unique challenges for skin health. As UV levels can soar to a high of 12 during midday, being aware of these fluctuations helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With daily exposure risks varying significantly throughout the day, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is vital. Protect your skin and enjoy the beautiful sunny days in Zimmi by keeping an eye on the UV Index!
Throughout the day, the UV Index exhibits a dynamic rise and fall, peaking dramatically at 12 between noon and 1 PM. Starting off at a low 1 in the early morning hours, the index gradually climbs as the sun ascends, reaching 6 by mid-morning. The ascent continues, with a notable spike to 10 at 11 AM, before hitting its zenith at 12 at both 12 PM and 1 PM. As the afternoon wears on, a gentle decline begins, dropping to 8 by 3 PM and further to 5 at 4 PM. The evening brings a swift descent, falling back to 2 by 5 PM, and ultimately dwindling down to a 0 by 7 PM. This data serves as a reminder to stay protected during those peak hours, especially from noon to 1 PM, when the sun's rays are the strongest.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 1 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels remain notably high, with extreme exposure risks from January to October where the index frequently reaches 11 to 13. The peak months for UV exposure are April, May, August, and September, where the index consistently hits 13, indicating an extreme burn time of just 10 minutes. As we move into November and December, the risk slightly decreases to a very high category, with a UV index of 10 and an extended burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and minimizing sun exposure, particularly during peak hours, to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
Makeni UVI | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Zimmi | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
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 |