Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Perai, Gambia, where intense sun exposure is a daily reality. Being aware of UV levels is essential for safeguarding your skin and preventing painful sunburns, as well as long-term skin health. Perai’s tropical Aw climate brings with it a range of UV exposure risks, particularly during peak hours when the index reaches a staggering 12 at noon and even 13 by 1 PM. Stay informed to enjoy the sun safely!
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 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 |