Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Katamina, Gambia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially in a region where the Aw climate brings high exposure risks. With midday UV readings reaching as high as 13, it's essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely—because in Katamina, a little awareness goes a long way in safeguarding your skin health.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index presents a dynamic landscape of sun exposure. Starting with a gentle 1 at 07:00, it gradually rises, reaching a moderate 3 by 09:00. However, the sun's strength peaks dramatically, soaring to a 12 at 12:00 and hitting a maximum of 13 by 13:00. From there, it begins a steady decline, dropping to 9 at 15:00 and then tapering off into the evening, settling back to a safe 1 by 18:00. This hourly dance of UV radiation emphasizes the importance of sun protection, especially between 10:00 and 14:00 when the UV Index climbs to its most intense levels. Stay informed and take care when enjoying outdoor activities during these 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 | 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 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 |
Katamina | 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 |