Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Kunting, Gambia, understanding the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. High UV levels, particularly during the midday hours, can lead to sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. Given Kunting's Aw climate zone, where the sun often shines intensely, awareness of these UV levels is crucial for planning outdoor activities safely. From a moderate index at 09:00 to a peak of 12 at noon, residents and visitors alike should take precautions to ensure they enjoy the beautiful Gambian sun without compromising their skin health. Embrace the sunshine wisely!
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 | 9 | 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 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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kunting | 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 |