Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Zimmi, Sierra Leone is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn, especially in the region's tropical climate. With UV levels peaking at 12 during midday, it's essential to be aware of when to seek shade or apply sunscreen. Knowledge of these UV exposure risks can help you protect yourself and your loved ones while enjoying the outdoor beauty of Zimmi. Stay informed, stay safe, and embrace the sun wisely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a mere 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, a gentle reminder to take precautions under the sun. However, from 9:00 AM onward, the intensity ramps up quickly, reaching a peak of 12 between noon and 1:00 PM—a peak time for sun exposure. As midday passes, the index gradually descends, dipping to 10 at 2:00 PM, then tapering off to 4 by 4:00 PM and continuing down to 0 by 7:00 PM. This hourly fluctuation illustrates the need for vigilant sun safety during the day, particularly during those midday hours when the UV intensity is at its highest.
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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 4 | 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 |