Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Janjanbureh, Gambia, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health in this vibrant locale. With its Aw climate, characterized by hot temperatures and abundant sunshine, awareness of UV levels can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. During peak sunlight hours, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV Index can soar as high as 13, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed and taking proper precautions, you can enjoy the beautiful Gambian sun while protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic rise in intensity. Starting from a safe level of 1 at both 07:00 and 08:00, the sun's rays gain strength as the morning progresses. By 09:00, the UV Index reaches 3, but it’s between 10:00 and 13:00 that it peaks, soaring to a staggering 12 at noon and hitting its highest point of 13 by 13:00. As the afternoon rolls in, the intensity gradually diminishes, dropping to 9 at 15:00 and finally retreating to 1 again by 19:00. This data serves as a crucial reminder to protect your skin during the peak hours of UV exposure, particularly between 10:00 and 14:00!
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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variation, with highest levels occurring from March to October, peaking at 14 in August. Notably, the months of March through October are classified as high-risk with an extreme exposure category, where the recommended burn time is only 10 minutes. Residents and visitors should exercise caution during these months by seeking shade, wearing UV-protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, especially from late morning to early afternoon when the sun’s rays are strongest. In contrast, November and December see a decrease in UV levels, returning to a very high category but with a burn time of 15 minutes, prompting slightly less urgency for sun protection but still warranting attention.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Janjanbureh | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
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 |
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 |