Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Waounde, Senegal, as it plays a critical role in protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. With peak UV levels often reaching hazardous heights, especially around midday, being aware of these fluctuations can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Waounde, located in a BSh climate zone, experiences intense sunlight, particularly during the dry season, making it vital to stay informed about the UV Index throughout the day. Take proactive measures to safeguard your health and enjoy the abundant sunshine responsibly!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a distinct rising trend, peaking at a notable 13 around 1 PM. Starting from a mild 1 at 7 AM, the index gradually escalates, reaching 10 by 11 AM and soaring to its maximum of 12 at noon. As the afternoon progresses, the numbers slowly decline; however, values remain relatively high, dipping to 9 at 3 PM before decreasing further to 3 by 5 PM. The sun's intensity diminishes in the evening, with the index dropping back to 1 by 6 PM and remaining consistent until 7 PM. This data serves as a reminder to stay protected during those peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variation, reaching its peak during the warmer months. January to February starts with very high UV levels of 9 and 10, with a burn time of 15 minutes. The intensity escalates rapidly from March through October, with March, April, May, and June showcasing extreme levels at 12 and 13, leading to a critical burn time of just 10 minutes. The highest risk months are July and August, peaking at a UV Index of 14, indicating an exceptionally high potential for skin damage. As the year transitions into November and December, the UV exposure drops back to very high ratings of 10 and 8, extending burn times to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to exercise extreme caution during the high-risk months—particularly from March to October—by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to mitigate the risks of overexposure to harmful UV rays.
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 |
| Waounde | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Touba UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 |