Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Perai, Gambia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's Aw climate, residents and visitors experience varying sun exposure that can lead to serious skin issues, including painful sunburns and long-term damage. By tracking the UV levels throughout the day, especially when they peak at 12 between noon and 1 PM, individuals can take proactive measures to protect themselves—such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. Being aware of the UV Index empowers the community to enjoy the vibrant Gambian sun while minimizing health risks.
The hourly UV Index today presents a dramatic journey through sunlight intensity. Starting off at 07:00, the index is a mild 1, gradually rising to 2 by 08:00. As the morning progresses, the UV rays escalate, peaking at a formidable 12 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating the highest risk for sun exposure. Once the clock strikes 14:00, the index begins to descend, dropping to 11 and subsequently to 8 by 15:00. The late afternoon brings a cooling respite, as levels fall to 5 at 16:00, before retreating to a soft 1 by the evening hours 18:00 to 19:00. It's a classic reminder of how the sun's impact can shift throughout the day, urging us to stay protected during peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 7 | 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 fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring during the late spring and summer months. From March to October, the index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 13 in July, August, and September, where the burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. Conversely, during January, February, November, and December, the index drops to a very high category of 8 or 9, allowing for a longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to adopt protective measures, such as using high-SPF sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, especially between March and October when the risk of overexposure to UV radiation is greatest.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Perai | 8 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 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 |