Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Kaffrine, Senegal, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the sun reaching its peak intensity, particularly around noon and early afternoon when UV levels soar to 12 and 13, understanding these levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. Given Kaffrine's BSh climate, residents and visitors alike face increased risks of harmful UV exposure, especially during the hot months. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely and protect your skin from its damaging effects.
The UV Index displays a fascinating hourly progression throughout the day, starting off gently. At 07:00 and 08:00, the index is low, peaking at 1, ideal for morning activities without much sun protection needed. However, as the day unfolds, things heat up—by 09:00 it escalates to 3, and by 10:00, it reaches 6, signaling the sun's increasing strength. The intensity peaks sharply around 12:00, hitting a maximum of 12, before climbing even higher to 13 at 13:00. This is when sun exposure should be minimized, with protective measures highly recommended. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dropping to 10 at 15:00 and further to 3 by 17:00 as daylight begins to fade. The day wraps up with a soft descent back to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00, marking a safe end to outdoor activities. Stay informed and enjoy the sunshine responsibly!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | 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 variation throughout the year, highlighting critical seasonal changes in sun exposure. January and February kick off the year with a very high UV Index of 9 and 10 respectively, requiring just 15 minutes for skin to begin burning. From March to October, the UV Index reaches its peak during the summer months, often hitting 13 or higher, categorizing those months as extreme with a burn time of only 10 minutes. August sees the highest risk at 14, followed by a gradual decline towards November and December, which revert back to very high levels of 10 and 8, necessitating 15 minutes before burns occur. In light of this data, both residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months from March to October - ensure adequate sun protection, including sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV exposure is at its peak.
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 |
| Kaffrine | 9 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Touba UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 |