UV Index in Bakau, Gambia

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Bakau, Gambia, is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially in this Aw climate known for its warm temperatures and bright sunshine. With peak UV levels reaching a significant 12 around noon and afternoon values hovering around 13, it’s essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about daily UV exposure risks. By being aware of the UV Index, you can take necessary precautions to protect your skin, enjoy the beautiful Gambian sun safely, and minimize the risk of long-term damage.

Hourly UV Index in Bakau

The UV Index (UVI) reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, peaking dramatically during midday hours. Starting with a gentle UVI of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index climbs steadily to reach a noteworthy 6 by 10:00. The sun's intensity truly escalates as it hits 9 at 11:00 and soars to a maximum 12 at noon, indicating a heightened need for sun protection. The UVI remains critically high, stabilizing at 13 from 13:00 to 14:00, before gradually tapering off in the afternoon with readings of 10 at 15:00, 7 at 16:00, and finally dropping back to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. This fluctuation underscores the importance of being mindful of sun exposure, especially during peak hours when the UVI is at its zenith.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	13	extreme	10 min
15:00	10	very high	15 min
16:00	7	high	25 min
17:00	4	moderate	30 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	1	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Bakau

Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, peaking during the summer months from May through September, with levels reaching as high as 14 in August and September, indicating an extreme exposure category where the burn time is only 10 minutes. January, February, November, and December present very high UV levels of 9, with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months, particularly from March to October, when UV levels are at their highest. Protective measures such as applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours are essential to mitigate the risk of overexposure and potential skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Bakau, Gambia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Bakau. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Bakau, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Bakau UV Index with Other Gambia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Bakau compares to other major locations across Gambia. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Bakau's solar exposure compared to other cities in Gambia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Bakau	9	10	12	13	12	12	13	14	14	12	9	9
Serekunda UVI	9	10	12	13	12	12	13	14	14	12	9	9
Brikama UVI	9	10	12	13	12	13	13	14	14	12	9	9
Banjul UVI	9	10	12	13	13	13	13	14	14	12	9	9
Farafenni UVI	9	10	13	13	13	13	13	14	14	12	9	9