Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Sokone, Senegal, where the tropical climate can lead to significant sun exposure throughout the year. With a peak UV Index of 12 during the midday hours, awareness of UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. As the sun’s rays become more intense with the changing seasons, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference. With Sokone's BSh climate, the risks of UV exposure are heightened, making it essential to stay informed and protected while enjoying the sunny days.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a minimal level of 1 at 7:00 AM and gradually climbs throughout the morning. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 6, and by 11:00 AM, it spikes to a significant 9. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, where the UV Index hits a striking 12, indicating the highest potential for skin damage. The intensity starts to wane by 2:00 PM, dropping to 11, and gradually decreases to 9 at 3:00 PM. As the evening approaches, the index continues its decline, with levels returning to 3 by 5:00 PM before settling back down to 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s essential to stay protected during those midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak!
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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | 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 seasonal UV changes reveal a notable increase in UV Index values from January to August, peaking at 14 during August, followed by a slight decrease through October. The high-risk months based on extreme exposure are March through October, with the highest risk observed in August at an extreme level. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours, as burn times drop to as low as 10 minutes during the extreme exposure months. From November through January, while the UV levels remain high, they ease slightly, with burn times increasing to 15 minutes, yet caution is still recommended.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pikine UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
Dakar UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
Thies Nones UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 8 |
Thies UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 8 |
Sokone | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
Touba UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 |