Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sutukoba, Gambia, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the area's typically warm Aw climate, residents and visitors alike face significant UV exposure, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to a maximum of 13. Awareness of UV levels not only aids in sunburn prevention but also plays a vital role in long-term skin health. As you plan your day under the Gambian sun, keep a close eye on these UV readings—from the relatively mild levels in the morning to the intense rays around midday, ensuring you're protected against harmful effects.
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sutukoba | 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 |