Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Basse Santa Su, Gambia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. As this region experiences a typical Aw climate, with high sun exposure, knowing when UV levels peak can help you prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. During midday hours, UV levels can soar to a dangerous 12, emphasizing the importance of seeking shade and wearing protective clothing. By staying informed about UV Index readings, you can enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index reveals a striking peak of intensity around midday, starting from a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, before climbing dramatically to 12 by noon. From 10:00 onwards, outdoor enthusiasts should pay attention as the readings soar, hitting their climax at 12 between 12:00 and 13:00. As the afternoon wanes, the values slowly descend: 11 at 14:00, 8 at 15:00, and tapering down to 5 at 16:00. By the evening, the UV Index drops back to a safe 1 by 18:00. It's clear that the sun commands respect during the peak hours, so stay protected and enjoy your day!
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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with high-risk months typically spanning from March to October, when the index reaches extreme levels of 12 to 13 and burn times are as short as 10 minutes. Notably, June through September are peak months for UV exposure, emphasizing the need for heightened caution. During these times, residents and visitors should take appropriate sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen with high SPF, donning protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. Conversely, the months of January, February, November, and December present lower, yet still concerning, levels of very high UV exposure, necessitating 15 minutes of burn time awareness. Overall, it’s crucial to remain vigilant year-round, especially during the peak summer months, to ensure safety from harmful UV rays.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Basse Santa Su | 9 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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 |