Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Yallal, Gambia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. As the sun reaches its peak intensity during the day, understanding UV levels can help residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun protection. With a tropical climate that often sees high UV exposure, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the index rises dramatically to levels of 12 and 13, it's vital to take precautions to prevent harmful effects. By staying informed, you can enjoy the beautiful Gambian outdoors while keeping your skin safe from the sun's damaging rays.
The UV Index displays a fascinating hourly progression throughout the day, starting off gently. At 07:00 and 08:00, the index is low, peaking at 1, ideal for morning activities without much sun protection needed. However, as the day unfolds, things heat up—by 09:00 it escalates to 3, and by 10:00, it reaches 6, signaling the sun's increasing strength. The intensity peaks sharply around 12:00, hitting a maximum of 12, before climbing even higher to 13 at 13:00. This is when sun exposure should be minimized, with protective measures highly recommended. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dropping to 10 at 15:00 and further to 3 by 17:00 as daylight begins to fade. The day wraps up with a soft descent back to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00, marking a safe end to outdoor activities. Stay informed and enjoy the sunshine responsibly!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
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.
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 |
| Banjul UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| Yallal | 9 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| Farafenni UVI | 9 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 9 |