Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Baro Kunda, Gambia is essential for protecting your skin and overall health in this sunny, Aw climate zone. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 13 during midday, awareness of these values can significantly contribute to sunburn prevention and long-term skin care. By comprehending the daily UV exposure risks and adjusting your sun safety practices accordingly, you can enjoy the beautiful Gambian weather while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index displays a dynamic pattern throughout the day, starting with a gentle level 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, perfect for early risers. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity increases sharply, peaking at a striking 12 around noon and reaching its zenith at 1 PM with an impressive 13. From that point, the index gradually declines, dropping to 6 by 4 PM, and then further down to a softer 3 by 5 PM. By evening, it returns to 1 at 6 PM, inviting a sense of relief as the day winds down. This data emphasizes the importance of sun safety, especially during those peak hours when the UV Index is at its highest.
| 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 | 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 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 |
| Baro Kunda | 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 |