Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Jakaba, Gambia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you take necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially in a region where the climate is typically hot and sunny. With daytime UV Index values peaking at 12 to 13 around midday, residents and visitors alike need to stay informed about their sun exposure risks to enjoy the beautiful weather safely. Keep an eye on the UV Index and make informed choices to ensure that your time under the sun is both enjoyable and safe.
The UV Index journey begins early, with mild levels of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rises higher, the intensity spikes, reaching 3 by 09:00. By 10:00, it climbs to 6, hinting at the intensifying sun. At 11:00, we hit 9, and by noon, the levels peak at a staggering 12—a clear signal to seek shade! The maximum UV exposure occurs from 13:00 to 14:00, registering 13 before it begins to wane. The afternoon sees a descent back to 10 at 15:00, followed by a gentle dip to 6 at 16:00. As the day transitions into evening, the UV Index drops to 3 at 17:00 and settles back at 1 by 18:00 and 19:00, concluding a day of sunshine and caution. Be sure to protect your skin 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking in the summer months from March to October, where it reaches an extreme level of 13 or higher. Notably, August records the highest UV Index at 14, while January and November see a slight decrease to 9, resulting in a very high exposure category. Residents and visitors should be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of April to September, when burn times are critically low at 10 minutes. To minimize health risks, it is advisable to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen liberally during these periods, especially from midday to early afternoon when UV radiation is most intense.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bakau UVI | 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 |
Jakaba | 9 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
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 |