UV Index in Kolda, Senegal

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In the sunny heart of Kolda, Senegal, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in reducing the long-term risk of skin damage and diseases. With Kolda's Aw climate characterized by abundant sunshine, the UV exposure can peak dramatically with indices soaring to 12 and 13 around midday. By being aware of these levels, you can take proactive measures to shield yourself from harmful rays and enjoy the outdoors safely.

Hourly UV Index in Kolda

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.

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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Kolda

Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes indicate that exposure levels peak during the summer months, particularly from March to October. The highest UV Index is observed in August, reaching 14, positioning it as a critical month for sun exposure. High-risk months are generally from March to October, during which the UV Index remains in the extreme category (ranging from 12 to 14) with a burn time as short as 10 minutes. Meanwhile, the months of January, February, November, and December experience very high exposure but with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize sunburn and skin damage. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate and pose a risk, so staying vigilant is key.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Kolda, Senegal

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Kolda compares to other major locations across Senegal. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Kolda's solar exposure compared to other cities in Senegal. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Kolda	9	10	13	12	13	13	13	14	13	12	9	9
Touba UVI	9	10	12	14	13	13	14	14	13	12	10	8