UV Index in Sankandi, Gambia

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin in Sankandi, Gambia, where the Aw climate brings both sun and risk. With peak UV levels reaching an intense 13 around midday, awareness of these levels is essential to prevent sunburns and maintain long-term skin health. As the UV Index fluctuates throughout the day, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in enjoying the vibrant Gambian sun while staying safe. Stay informed to keep your skin protected!

Hourly UV Index in Sankandi

The UV Index today shows a significant peak of sunlight intensity around noon, reaching a striking 12 at 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity gradually rises from an early low of 1 at 7:00 AM to reach 9 by 11:00 AM, before hitting its zenith of 13 at 1:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, a gradual decline occurs, decreasing to 5 by 4:00 PM and tapering off to 1 by 6:00 PM. It's a day to stay vigilant under the sun, particularly during the peak hours of 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, when sun protection is paramount.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	9	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Sankandi

Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with marked increases from January to September. The highest UV exposure occurs from March to October, reaching extremes of 13 to 14 and resulting in very short burn times of only 10 minutes during the peak months of June to August. Notably, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October are designated as high-risk months due to their extreme levels, while January, February, November, and December are categorized as very high, with longer burn time tolerances of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Sankandi, Gambia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Sankandi. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Sankandi, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Sankandi UV Index with Other Gambia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Sankandi compares to other major locations across Gambia. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Sankandi's solar exposure compared to other cities in Gambia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Sankandi	9	10	13	13	13	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