UV Index in Sanunding, Gambia

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Sanunding, Gambia is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's Aw climate, residents and visitors often experience high levels of UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the UV Index peaks at an intense 12. In such conditions, grasping the significance of UV levels can protect you from harmful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Awareness of these UV fluctuations empowers you to take proactive measures for sun safety, ensuring that your time in the Gambian sun is both enjoyable and safe.

Hourly UV Index in Sanunding

The UV Index today presents a notable rise in intensity as the morning unfolds. Starting at a modest 1 at 07:00, it gradually escalates to a peak of 12 between 12:00 and 13:00, signaling a high risk for harmful UV exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the readings dip to 11 at 14:00, and then a steady decline leads to a more manageable 5 by 16:00. By evening, the index falls back to 1 by 19:00, marking a significant contrast to the midday sun. Remember to protect your skin during the peak hours of 11:00 to 14:00!

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	2	low	45 min
09:00	4	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Sanunding

The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, the index is categorized as very high, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. As spring arrives, the UV levels escalate to an extreme category from March to October, reaching a maximum of 13 during the summer. This highlights March through October as high-risk months, with a critical burn time of only 10 minutes. In contrast, November and December return to a very high classification, but with a more manageable burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these peak UV months by wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure, especially during midday hours to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Sanunding, Gambia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Sanunding. 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 Sanunding, 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 Sanunding UV Index with Other Gambia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Sanunding 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.

Sanunding'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
Sanunding	9	10	12	11	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